I'm speechless. I knew it was coming, but its very real now. I can grasp it now. No longer just a dream, but reality. I don't even know what to do with myself. How to express what this means to me... for me and my daughter. As I sat here on my couch, cuddled up with Miss J., eyes locked on CNN, the tears started to flow as a realization of Obama's win hit me. I kept trying to focus my attention on the the words "CNN Projection" instead of "Barack Obama Elected President". What if something isn't right? What if this, what if that? So use to disappointment. So ready for disaster. And then I just let it go and became proud.

I called my grandmother to tell her that I thought we'd won it. Her reply? "Yeah, looks like ya'll did. I hope he works out for ya'll." She has been so negative toward the possibility of change this entire campaign. I practically begged her to get registered and to vote. She refused. So many of my friends have tales of sharing this experience with their parents, and since I no longer have parents, I thought that I would be able to share this historic event with her. She took the cop out that some others have this election, the belief that neither one of the candidates would create the change that America needs... basically, just bottom line bullshit. The tone of her voice and the words that she spoke stole my joy in that moment. My tears immediately dried on my cheeks and I told her that I'd have to call her back. I can't tell you right now when that will be and I will not focus on her right now, because although my grandmother does not believe in Barack Obama, I know that his grandmother did, and that her arms are permanently wrapped around him.

For now, I will share this day, this time, this moment with those who are rejoycing in states across this country... and beyond (Kenya). I will share this day, this time, this moment with my beautiful sleeping baby who was sooo excited and eager to caste her vote, right along with her mother today for a man that her little 5 year old mind and heart believed in and rooted for. I will reclaim my joy, let my tears begin to reflow, and know that WE, as a people, are now going to be alright.