What the Obama win means to me

[Stefanie Worth]

For me, the belief Barack fostered in me long ago is one that doesn't end with the election. I am waiting to answer his next call to service for community and self. More than that, though, I can't help but reflect on my kids' experiences. With the three of them being so spread out, it offers me differing perspectives.

My 19-year-old college student cast his first-ever vote for Barack. As if that isn't powerful enough, I still see him standing on the brink of his future, but that road block "right there" has been removed to allow him to proceed more directly rather than following the detour to his very near destination -- dreams.

For my 11-year-old, who has so much to grasp about tomorrow, it's as new, exciting and now as starting middle school was this year. There is no historical baggage for him in this victory. He's a kid, you know? He'll likely remember helping me put the sign in the yard, learning the issues throughout the campaign, going to the polls with me, following the vote throughout the evening, and cheering at midnight along with the rest of the world. Barack's win is Tweenage cool like a baseball season that culminates with a playoff trophy or an end-of-semester A. Perhaps the lesson for him will be in witnessing hard work pay off.

For my 6-year-old daughter, who awoke Nov. 4 saying, "Today is the election!," there are issues and a process of which she has no clue (save for "You color circles to vote?"). But beyond all the brown baby dolls I can buy for her, and the stories I can tell about how her Nana integrated her high school in 1956 or how her great-grandma ran her own business in that same small southern-minded town, my youngest one gets to rise through the world watching two little girls who look like her grow up in the White House.

That's the thought that takes my breath away.

Stefanie
www.stefanieworth.com
http://plottingme.blogspot.com

[Sharon Moore Stenhouse]

Stephanie,

I love your thoughts on what the election of Barack Obama has meant to you and your children. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a collection of writings develop into a published book for the world to see. What a wonderful gift to the President-Elect that would be. Surely he is already aware of the impact this historic moment has and will have in the lives of many Americans. Now we all have to live up to the expectations he has for us. Thank you for sharing.

Amani na Mapenzi: Love & Peace
a'Kihoro

[Jennifer Boone]

Excellent blog and definitely touching and thought provoking.

[Dapharoah69 The King of Erotica]

Very touching