And tears stream down my face…
I don’t really even have words.
I am so happy.
This is where I should be talking about the fact that we’ve done it, we’ve signaled changed, we’ve succeeded in getting the best candidate into the white house. We’re going to get things moving in the right direction in this country- in the world.
But all I can think is “Oh my God, we have our first black president.“
It’s not why he had my vote, of course, being as liberal as I am, but it is all I can dwell on right now.
I never thought I’d see it.
I never thought my children would see it.
My grandparents never thought the same.
Yet here they are, elated to have watched firsthand this country come from this:
to this:
I’ve never seen them so elated in all of their lives.
Now, it’s not so far fetched for a little black kid to believe that they can be the P.O.T.U.S. one day.
Wow.
I’m on a black power cloud right now.
And I, along with every other black person in the world right now, totally deserve to be.
But, in the same stream of consciousness, I am so terrified.
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Oh. I had not thought of that possibility. The terror one.
I am happy as well, up here in Canada.
The latest from crazymumma…
It is all of us - black, white, all colors - standing side-by-side together with tears streaming.
The latest from A Whole Lot of Nothing… Wordless 10.29.8: True Presidential Change
I hope you are wrong. I truly, truly do.
The latest from flutter… In love
Your post gave me chills.
The latest from dysfunctional mom… IYGAKAC 11.4.08 & Technical Difficulties
FUCK YES!
No time for worries right now.
Where is your drinky smiley?!
The latest from Sybil Law… Mmmm… Spam
I never thought I’d live to see this day and I thank everything about America that made it possible to elect a black man, a brilliant man, an incredible orator, a man who heralds all kinds of change, to the presidency today.
I am so white, I’m transparent, and I am on a black power cloud, too. And I can’t stop crying, either.
The latest from Mr Lady… What A Dream I Had, Pressed In Organdy
It is an incredible thing. I feel good to be American today.
The latest from Stimey… San Francisco or Bust
Tears of joy, baby. Tears of joy.
Sobbing.
The latest from maggie, dammit… I had no idea I would feel this way.
Hello from the whitest girl in america :-) Oh my darling Maria. You’ve put so many’s feelings into words and those beautiful pictures. I refuse to look at the last one.
In my heart, in my world, in my soul. We are side by side, just different shades of the same heart.
Beautiful Maria. Thank you for posting this. Now wipe your tears of joy and pride, hug your children and write more. You and your children and grandchildren will treasure these thoughts that you have now. Preserve them.
Hugs love.
and hello!!! 17 women in the Senate! WOOHOOO
The latest from rachel… Monkey Mashin, Punkin’ Pickin’ and Kiss and Tell
Security is much, much better now. That’s what I’m telling myself.
And I cannot even imagine the sense of.. I don’t know… magic. That’s not the right word. Validation. Awe. Everything I’m feeling times 1000000!
The latest from Miss Britt… I’m Shaking My Fist At This Damn Lap Top!
I’m so happy for you guys. AMAZING post here, hun. Bravo, America.
The latest from Huckdoll… We Interrupt Regular Scheduled Programming
I will never have any problem looking into the face of my little biracial son and daughter and telling them they can BE ANYTHING. This country will elect them President if they so choose to live their life in a way to make that a possible path for their life. And this was no close race. This is as close to a mandate as any candidate has had in many election cycles. AMAZING.
Unfortunately, my first thought was that he’s speaking in a public park with 70,000 people watching him. I fear for his safety now more than ever. I like that he isn’t allowing fear to make his decisions and that he’s as inclusionary as ever.
The latest from Missives From Suburbia… Blue Who?
Oh baby… what can I say that hasn’t already been said?
I’m happy. We all are.
The latest from Miss… Spread Love Like Violence
You aren’t the only one who’s thought of it. I voted and thought, if he really wins this thing, please don’t be murdered. I will be saying a prayer every night for him, for the hope that he brought and I hope the new road this country is taking with him in the lead.
The latest from Lynette… 3 Words
Oh, buzz kill a little there at the end. I can’t believe crap like that is out there.
But let’s not think about that NOW. Let’s celebrate!!! Great post.
The latest from Andrea’s Sweet Life… I Voted, Have You?
yes yes! i keep crying today thinking of all of this, all of these photos you have shared, all of the energy wasted on hate, and yet somehow it turned into something so hopeful. and it happened today.
You have articulated my very real fear. I only wish it were so farfetched that we could say “oh psh! That’s crazy talk”.
The latest from Shania… I can’t make this stuff up
We slow clapped for America at our house tonight. Good for you guys. Truly.
The latest from Coral… Friday Five
I confess, when I heard the helicopter, my heart started pounding. It cannot happen. We are anew. Much love!
Dude. Totally with you. I’m praying he lives through his first 4 years.
Do you hear that? First 4!
The latest from Captain Steve…
Love this post. I can’t imagine this day from the perspective of a black person, but even just being little ol’ me, I’m profoundly touched and inspired by how far the nation that I love has come. And in such a relatively short time. I’m still just in awe.
I’ve had the same terrifying thoughts and have hoped that Obama is kept triple extra safe because it’s true that we have further to go. But now? Now I know that we can get there. Yes. We. Can.
The latest from Maggie’s Mind… Blo Me? Blo You?
Fucking awesome post. Fucking awesome.
Obama and his entire family are in my prayers - I pray for their safety and courage.
Do you know how fucking happy I am right now? I can’t even talk straight. That’s how happy.
FUCKIN’ A. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA *IS* our next president.
The latest from Natalie… Pinch Me
It really is amazing, isn’t it? No matter what our party affiliations, I wish and hope everyone will see the thrilling call for change in the choice Americans made today. What a great campaign Obama ran and such a profound outcome! I feel joy when I see every clip on TV of African Americans rejoicing and celebrating - this is a special day for them and for all of us. I pray for our President Elect and his cohorts to have wisdom in their actions in the coming years, and hope that positive change is truly on the horizon.
I had thoughts of your closing remark earlier today, and it would truly be tragic. Whatever is to happen, our country has changed, though, and such a large step forward in that regard should be something we don’t allow ourselves to step backwards on, no matter what. I recall the words, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Peace be with ya, love!
The latest from Sarcastic Mom… Another example of morons who reproduce…
Great post. I am full of hope today. The tears that ran down my cheeks hours ago have dried, and now I’m just full of wonder. I understand your fear, but I can’t let it take me. I have to choose hope. I believe. I believe that we’ve progressed enough that your fears won’t be realized.
The latest from Rachael… Hallelujah!
I ALWAYS thought that we would elect a black president before a woman.
The latest from Mrs. Kitty… I was beaten into submission by a pimp cup
You, you’re one of the sole people that had me misty eyed. I mean, the person I am would have made me want whoever didn’t belong to the same group as Bush, and past that, I really didn’t focus on the elections at all. But it was your thoughts of change, and the vision that went with you saying, “He did it. He won.” That included me in the party, knowing how many people across the world are celebrating this new-found opportunity for growth and healing. For hope. And a future.
The latest from Zoeyjane… On Boundaries
I have been taking the bitter with the sweet as well. We have come far, but still not far enough because as soon as we’ve thought we’ve made it hatred happens. It always amazes me how folks don’t think it still exists. Its very real, just was any black man in the wrong neighborhood at the wrong hour, the single black mother, the poor black youth…and so on and so on.
With that said, I was empowered to believe in the impossible tonight so I can only pray that America really will let us have Barack.
I am so very very happy for the American people right now…but yes, unfortunately, my second thought (my first was ohmigod I’m seeing history) was something along the lines of “please, please I hope no one shoots him”.
The latest from Lilacspecs… Not Short, Not Sweet
The sad thing is the first time I saw him deliver a speech I thought of JFK. And then what happened to him.
I hope to God he doesn’t suffer the same fate.
I am over the moon that he is now your president. I wish that his grandmother got to see this day.
The latest from Kelley… It is that time of year again…
Maria-
My heart dropped when I scrolled down to see that post secret card. I was so terrified that you saw that on my page and took it all wrong.,….ahh…..just relieved. And elated. I voted for the first black president. I kinda wanted to cry also.
The latest from TRACI… I Hate It When Wednesday
Congratulations America!
Being Canadian this moment isn’t as big I guess for me but I am extremely proud of the moment none the less.
Did that last postcard say “It’s only a matter of time?” Holy hell.
Very moving post. Those are pictures that no one wants to remember but no one should forget…
Truly, we are very excited at my house. This really is a historic moment…
And WHY doesn’t my Comment Luv work anymore? Stinking technological crap…
The latest from tracey… Even Obama picks his nose…
Oh. There it goes. Sorry.
While I am in tears myself and overjoyed with America as a whole form making change, I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO disappointed in California. How prop 8 passed is beyond my scope of understanding. Why people feel that it is OK to amend the constitution to discriminate against another person is just appalling to me. :o: Why do these people feel it is OK to take away another persons rights? I just don’t understand it.
Go America… Boo California
Hey what is up with my post not showing up either?
I join you on your cloud!! I am so thrilled to have our first black president.
I also share your terror, but I hope with every fiber of my being that if Bush can be safe in Iraq on tour, we can keep Obama safe at home.
We need him.
The latest from Scylla… 14 hours…
I truly hope that last part never comes close to happening. I may have voted a different way in this election, but now that we have new President, I stand behind him, hoping we can come together as a nation and make those changes a reality for all of us.
The latest from Tara R…. Random Wednesday ~ you decide
That is the most perfect comment. I would have done the very same thing, had it been McCain. I hope that everyone can.
Don’t be afraid. Just be prepared. I’m so so happy with this result. It’s like a giant, gray, suffocating, cloud is finally lifting.
The latest from Red Flashlight… Where at Least I Know I’m Free
¡Si Se Puede! What a wonderful photo collage to sum up what this election means to this country. Maria, this is not the time for negative thinking - the world is behind this election, we are have to put positive energy into the Universe and give it up to God!
I know, I’m elated and terrified at the same time.
The latest from Lori… Ugh!
I did not vote for Barack Obama, but I stand behind the President Elect whole-heatedly and congratulate him and VPE Joe Biden.
Your post gave me chills, Maria. Especially the last picture.
God bless America!
The latest from Secret Agent Mama… Wordless Wednesday
This election isn’t just about the Black thing-yes, that is HUGE, and we are ALL (or should be, anyway) really thrilled ot have helped the first African American President to get into office. I think that making this all about race, thought, completely demeans everything this wonderful man stands for. Just sayin’.
The latest from Kori… I’ve Unpacked My Bags
I’m THRILLED that we have a black president. I’m just bummed that he’s not a conservative. ;)
The latest from Jen… Three in One
Can I just say that taking a moment to appreciate the ENORMOUS significant of the first black president - especially from another black American - does not in any way demean the rest of Obama’s message.
We can celebrate and embrace one good thing without jeopardizing another.
The latest from Miss Britt… I’m Shaking My Fist At This Damn Lap Top!
Every time I see recaps, every time I watch our President-elect walk out before the crowds with his two daughters, every time I hold up the newspaper and tell my two sons what we accomplished yesterday, I want to both cry and laugh. The potential for greatness is massive. I hope we see his first term through with a rush that carries us into a second.
The latest from foradifferentkindofgirl (fadkog)… i believe paula abdul said it best…
it’s amazing how far we’ve come. i’m truly proud to be an American today.