I have never before considered myself much of a patriot but yesterday morning, Corbin asked me why there were people on the streets waving signs. I explained that they were out there encouraging people to vote for or against proposals and candidates, adding, “And that is what is so amazing about our country! That whether we agree or disagree, we are free to speak publicly and have opinions different than our neighbors.”

Last night, instead of doing homework, I let Corbin watch CNN. He practiced his numbers and reading as he watched the results come in for each state. Counting electoral votes; reading the names of the candidates and states. He jumped out of bed when he heard the news: History had been made! After years of partisanship and racism, it seems that race may unite our country as the phoenix rises out of the ash and Democrat or Republican comes to mean less than our collective pride in America and the power of anyone to make a dream come true.

Tears come to my eyes that in this great country of ours we need not a revolution, because every four years we have the freedom to use our voices and vote for a new tomorrow. That our youth may show up as voters in a new day. That our children see unity among people of different colors, different political views and different religious beliefs. McCain set example with his gracious concession speech - Had he spoken so eloquently throughout the campaign, the results may have been quite different - calling upon all of us to come together, support our new president, and brave a new frontier. I feel hopeful. Hopeful that the man who came from not very much but is now leader of the United States, will lead us toward a more sustainable future. As Obama spoke earnestly about votes yet to be earned, and stood arm in arm with Biden, it seemed, as my friend Sylvia said, “Like watching Luke Skywalker and ObiWan.” I agreed, and believe once again, that anything is possible, and realize that I am more patriotic than I had thought. Oh, and Corbin now wants to be President but last week it was an astronaut and a park ranger so I think we’re o.k.