I know this is a couple days late but hey, I'm a busy lady. I just wanted to take a minute to talk about something that has become something that people will talk about forever. Barack Obama is the new President of the United States. I can finally say for the first time that I helped put him there. Thats right. This year was the first time that I voted. November 4, 2008 was the first time that Jeff and I went to a polling place to cast our votes for President.
For some reason I felt obligated to vote. I have never felt that way before. I dont know if it was because I felt like I needed to because it was going to be the first woman running or because it was going to be the first african american (half anyway)running. I dont know for sure. I think that ultimately I think that I have finally came to the realization that I wanted to do something that I thought would better the USA for my son Rilyn. Now that I am a mom I feel like I want everything to make a difference so that my son will live the best life possible. I thought about my choices and decided that after hearing all sides that I was completely in awe of Barack and the hope that he gave to our country. I am not big into politics, I couldnt have a debate with anyone and win. I just wanted to do what I thought would help make our country a little bit of a better place for our son to grow up in. I thought that the person who I felt represented my family and the values that we have was Barack Obama. Yes I am a Obama Mama. I cant help it. I just hope that he can tackle the huge job he has ahead.
On Tuesday January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was sworn into office. When historical events go down, people always ask if you remember where you were at that time. Yes folks I do. Princess Diana: I was in my bedroom talking to our foreign exchange student Handa when breaking news hit. 9/11: I had just gotten back from class and turned on the tv in my apartment. And not really historical but Left Eye from TLC passing: I was sitting down watching The View in my college apartment. I also remember Aaliyah and other random celebrity deaths (weird I know). Anyways, on tuesday I knew it was going to be a huge deal and I was just blessed to be able to witness it with my own two eyes. I was at work and it was 10:30 am when we had the projection screen down and turned on in the auditorium right across from my desk. I was lucky to not have any residents around at that time so that I could just watch it and enjoy what was happening. It was amazing. I think that I felt a little chill just thinking about what was happening. My mom never thought in all of her life that she would be alive to see the first black president. She was around when segregation was still alive and kicking. She knows all the hardships. I actually cried when they announced the unofficial-official vote count. I called her that night and she was screaming for joy. I would like to state that I did NOT vote for Obama because of the color of his skin. I voted for him based on his character. This being said, I believe that my son ,being bi-racial, can do and will do anything that he puts his mind to. I think that he has lots of positive role-models of all colors: white, black, hispanic, mixed in every field of work imaginable. I just think that the one job that we never saw diversity in has finally added that aspect and its great to know that Rilyn will be able to look through the history books and say..."Hey thats guys my color...if he can be president, so can I".
During the course of this election Jeff and I emailed silly things like we always do. Here are two of the best from that time:
November 4,2008
From: Carla
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 3:49 PM
To: Jeff
Subject: Did You....
BARACK THE VOTE ???
From: Jeff
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 3:51 PM
To: Carla
Subject: RE: Did You....
Yes I did. I McCain, I saw & I conquered.
From: Carla
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 3:54 PM
To: Jeff
Subject: RE: Did You....
YOU WHAT!!! I call your BS
From: Jeff
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 3:51 PM
To: Carla
Subject: RE: Did You....
You got me. I take it you’re an obama girl?
January 20,2009
________________________________________
From: Carla
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 11:28 AM
To: Jeff
Subject: so how did...
You like my new invitation? Did I do alright for you? The speech was great. I cant believe we got to witness history in the sense of a mixed man becoming president. You feel me……..Holla For Obama
_______________________________________
From: Jeff
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2008 12:01 PM
To: Carla
Now he just has to do all those things he promised. I am glad that one day when Ri gets older he will be able to see that he can really do anything that he wants
We let our students watch the speech. Just like you - yeah, they're "babies" but it's historical. And someday, they can say "I saw the day he became president!" And they felt apart of everything (plus, we wanted to watch!).
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