Yes We Can!

I was glued to the television on Inauguration Day, like so many other Americans. Without going into depth about my political opinions, I can say that as a parent, a woman, an American citizen and a person who has always been invested in community and bringing people together...this day brought me a sense of hope and joy. Watching the many who have sacrificed to move us to this point, was almost overwhelming. Witnessing the emotions of so many who wondered if this would ever happen, humbled me.

I do believe there are people who are gifted with an unusual capacity to inspire. Our new president is one of them. I am grateful to be able to be a part of this momentous change and am finding myself pondering how I might become more involved in the larger community. As a mom of teenagers, the "teachable moments" become all the more compelling. I want my children to be active, caring citizens of their world. We are being presented with an opportunity to not only question our own adult role in creating much needed change, but perhaps guide our teenagers in considering their role as well. At a time when they are so often inner-focused and also carry that adolescent sense of immortality, this door being opened is going to allow for a different level of conversation. Not only do I wish for them to "be all they can be", but I dream of them being able to make a true difference, however they choose to define that. I see Barack Obama as a man who believes not only in himself, but in others. That is a lesson we can all learn from.