Yes We Did

I think part of why I stopped blogging for a bit was that I was tired. Tired of the primaries. Tired of arguing with “friends.” Tired of campaigning and debating and donating and registering… I didn’t even write about election night, which was one of the happiest, yet most surreal nights of my life. That night sailed so quickly by that it almost felt too easy… like we slipped into port on calm waters. The storm had come weeks and months before. We finally could breathe. We shouted. We cried. We hugged. We rejoiced.

It’s almost midnight. It’s the eve of the day I believed would come, yet still seems too good to be true. Some have asked me what I saw in Barack back in 2002 that made me say, “That man’s going to be President one day.” Of course, it’s undeniable that he’s special. Once in a generation. Exceptional. But what I saw in him was not what *he* could do, but what he could inspire *us* to do… and to be. Barack Obama, back when he was a “nobody,” inspired me. He got me interested in things like community organizing, nuclear non-proliferation, net neutrality, and sustainable energy. Then I saw what he did at the 2004 DNC and knew… *knew* his time would come.

I am unable to find the words to adequately express the magnitude of what we’re about to witness. This nation is not what any of us thought it was. One individual has helped us see what we can be.

Tomorrow, I’m taking a vacation day to relax at home and witness history. Like Michelle, I have always loved my country but have not always been proud. Once again, I am truly proud of my country. Tomorrow, when they play “Hail to the Chief” for the first time for President Barack Obama, I know I’ll cry tears of joy. This is one of those times I’m happy to truly be alive.