Today we elected Barack Obama our President. WE elected him.

As I listened to his speech, the tears began to flow.

Tears of sorrow – for a time I remember so vividly. A time when this nation – filled with so much hope – elected another young man who made history by being elected President – despite his religion. John F. Kennedy was Roman Catholic.

Tears of relief – after living through eight years of George W. Bush – the most incompetent President we’ve ever had.

Tears of joy for the power hope can bring to a people.

I’m deeply proud of our nation at this moment. To elect a black man as President, in a country founded on the backs of black slaves, in a country that fought itself over slavery – gives me hope for not only our nation – but humanity as a whole.

A miracle long in the making.