Not Before Coffee

Over the weekend, Parade Magazine published a heartfelt letter from a father

I have to admit, this last Presidential race took a lot out of me and away from me. Going into the election, I was heavily undecided, wavering from one candidate, to another as the process of elimination began. Early on I gave in to the spewing of big media and doubted the abilities of Barack Obama and at one point, I was so ashamed of being American, I felt like a woman without a country – I could not believe the choice this country had given me.

That has changed. A lot has changed. Now the shame I feel is that I didn’t believe in Barack from the beginning. What a remarkable fight he fought – to overcome an abundance of doubters just like me to rise to lead this country, my country.

For the first time in 8 years, I feel hopeful – I feel secure – perhaps it’s the fact that Barack Obama is such a wonderful father to his girls. And not just when photo opportunities arise. The fact that he will make decisions with the future of his daughters in mind – offers me a sense of comfort and peace because when he makes decisions for his own kids, he’s making decisions for mine too.

My children and I will be celebrating the inauguration right along with Washington. I want my children to absorb and appreciate the valuable history lesson they are living. What a wonderful thing to experience.

Now I ask you – Do you think Barack Obama being the father of such young children will help him be a better President for all the children of a nation in need of change?

to his daughters and from a President to his nation. As I read the letter, the sense of peace and security became overwhelming – the sort of overwhelming you experience when you feel the lump of pride rise from your chest into your throat as tears begin to sting your eyes.

I have to admit, this last Presidential race took a lot out of me and away from me. Going into the election, I was heavily undecided, wavering from one candidate, to another as the process of elimination began. Early on I gave in to the spewing of big media and doubted the abilities of Barack Obama and at one point, I was so ashamed of being American, I felt like a woman without a country – I could not believe the choice this country had given me.

That has changed. A lot has changed. Now the shame I feel is that I didn’t believe in Barack from the beginning. What a remarkable fight he fought – to overcome an abundance of doubters just like me to rise to lead this country, my country.

For the first time in 8 years, I feel hopeful – I feel secure – perhaps it’s the fact that Barack Obama is such a wonderful father to his girls. And not just when photo opportunities arise. The fact that he will make decisions with the future of his daughters in mind – offers me a sense of comfort and peace because when he makes decisions for his own kids, he’s making decisions for mine too.

My children and I will be celebrating the inauguration right along with Washington. I want my children to absorb and appreciate the valuable history lesson they are living. What a wonderful thing to experience.

Now I ask you – Do you think Barack Obama being the father of such young children will help him be a better President for all the children of a nation in need of change?