Over a year ago, I was sitting in my parents living room with my 87 year-old grandmother as we watched the local news. Barack Obama was giving a speech and the Chicago news station was covering it. My grandmother, a life-long democrat, turned to me and said, "You don't think he'll win, do you?" and when I shrugged in response, she said quietly, "He's black..." It wasn't a snide comment or a racist comment - it was a sincere question and it was said with pure wonder.

I am sure that in my grandmother's lifetime, she never thought she would live to see a black president of the United States. I am also quite sure that, in all honesty, I didn't know if I would ever live to see a black president of the United States.

My decision this election was a tough one - believe it or not. I was undecided up until yesterday morning. I cannot vote for someone based purely on the inspiration factor - I have realized in my 'old age' of 34 that all factors need to be considered. But in the end, morale won out - and I truly do want 'change.' Not the packaged change that both candidates wanted to hand us with a pretty bow - but a change, in my own mind, that would at least give me hope. Some of you may disagree with that logic, but that is my decision to have and for you to respect, as I respect yours.

Coming away from this election though - I experienced some feelings this morning that I had no idea would erupt. Watching our future president's speech in Grant Park...well, I defy anyone to tell me it wasn't a testament to the greatness of this country. We can look at our children and honest to God tell them - with all certainty - that they can be anything they want to be. We can tell our daughters that this is their world to have - just as any other.

I am giddy with the thought of Hannah and my nieces and nephews seeing this at such a young age - so that by the time they are older, it will seem odd that race or gender was ever a barrier at all. I want all people on the ticket to be the 'norm.' I don't want them to ever have had a doubt that this country is certainly a land of opportunity for all.

How lucky we are to be here to see it - no matter what your political preference. And if the sadness of your candidate not winning brings you great trouble - please at least realize the privilege and honor we all have of seeing another unfair barrier dissolved.