Musings on the election

After listening to Barack Obama give the 2004 keynote speech at the Democratic Convention, I looked at my husband and said, "There is the first black president of the United States."

I live in a West Texas town where the Republicans control all but one of the elected offices in the county. My work for Obama and my vote really didn't count for much. I sent all we could afford to his campaign, and my husband sent all we could afford to various Democratic Senate and House campaigns across the nation (and in Texas.) We told our children that we were spending their inheritance to save their future.... I am 66 years old, and a white woman,the demographic he wasn't supposed to win.

Often I would mute the sound during Senator Obama's speeches (but aren't they inspiring?) and just watch the faces. The crowds reflected our nation....young, old, black, white, rich, middle class and poor. It was like holding a mirror up to America. The amazing thing, however, was what I saw in the faces....hope, excitement, yearning for the America of, not only our dreams, but the dreams of the world, and the realization that with work and determination we could help this extraordinary young man be elected.

Then I watched Senator Obama's face. His expressions ranged from serious, to thoughtful to happy to determined....and always hopeful and sincere. I never saw anger on his face, or hate or skepticism or fear.....

And so, I ask you Senator Obama, to remember those faces in the crowds. We know you will not be able to accomplish all you want to do quickly, and we are willing to sacrifice for our country to help you in any way we can.