Mr. President Elect

As I sit here listening to President Obama's speech, I have goose bumps. I remember saying months ago, "I don't know if our country is ready for an African-American President." Today I have come full circle. The first moment I heard Barack Obama speak, I got goose bumps. I believed him. He gave me hope. He was the change I wanted to believe in. I also wanted to believe in the American people. I wanted to believe that the American people were able to look past the color of one's skin and realize that it doesn't define you - your integrity and character define you. I had heard one too many people utter the words I couldn't believe I was hearing in 2008 and I started having doubts. It surprised me and made me stop to think for a second. Race was never a factor for me and I knew there were others that agreed with me, but were there enough of them? I am proud to be an American in this moment. I am proud that my son will be raised in a world where an African-American will be the President of the United States of America. I am so happy that the American people denounced my thoughts and have restored my faith in them. It is a great feeling. Excitement comes to mind. Excitement for Obama and the adventure that lies ahead of him. Excitement for this country and the change that he will bring to us - good or bad. It is about time for some change. I think that we can all agree on. The challenge that lies ahead is to have faith in his leadership and believe that we, as a people, have the power to make all the difference in this world.