Today as I was going through my e-mail inbox and I discovered two Christmas themed e-mails. They reminded me that Christmas had not yet come. I was so overwhelmed with joy, excitement, gratitude, amazement and all kinds of beautiful emotions from baring witness to the most historical event in my lifetime (so far); I could only imagine it was the same feeling of strength and empowerment to whom where there to hear the legendary words spoken by Martin Luther King Jr; when he gave his renowned speech “I have a Dream,” at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC, on August 28th (My birth date and month) 1963.

            Another “Great One” has emerged in my lifetime and I am eternally grateful to be right here, right now.  I remember the morning of November 5th, my husband told me a funny little story of his wife, talking in her sleep; yelling in the middle of the night; “Obama Win!;” then rolling over in silence; never to speak again; until morning wide awake. I laughed in disbelief but he swore over and over as I tried to prod the truth out of him; that he wouldn’t lie to me, it is the truth.

            The most amazing thing happened at exactly 11 p.m, November 4th 2008. It was announced that Senator Barack Obama had won California and therefore he will be the 44th President of the United States of America. I finally exhaled; knowing my prayers and the prayers of so many Americans and non-Americans alike in desperate need of change had been answered. Although, I felt it in my heart for so long that this is divine destiny and I couldn’t imagine what this Christmas would be like for me if it had gone the other way.

             This is one of the greatest Christmas presents I could ask for; hope, inspiration, encouragement and a President in 2009, that I truly and deeply admire and a leader I would proudly follow. I believe in my heart that President-elect Barack Obama will bring change to America; he is the right man at the right time to bring us through this economic crisis and will be one of the greatest Presidents of our time.

            I love America and what it represents; “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” unity, justice, equality. America is home for dreamers; I am a dreamer and I believe in the American dream. Tuesday night’s event is the American dream at it’s finest.

            In President-elect Barack Obama’s victory speech he spoke the words; “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where any things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive … who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

            No more excuses; “Yes we can.”

We can believe in our dreams; believe in our destiny; believe we each have the power to change things; raise our voice; make our choice and make things better. I believe with all my heart things are going to get better.

        I also want to say that I sincerely think Senator John Mccain is an extraordinary man for whom I also admire and respect. His concession speech was gracious and powerful. He spoke of the love he has for his country, unity and American spirit. In the final words of this speech he said;   “Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history.” I believe he is a true example of those words. It can never be said that Senator John McCain is a quitter. He is a true example of resilience and strength. I am so empowered by this journey and very glad to see the outcome. What a beautiful end and an extraordinary new beginning. 2009; we embrace you with hope, faith, courage, unity, strength, empowerment and open arms.