I Cried

I had no idea I'd cry so much tonight.  

I cried when I realized it was possible.  

I cried when the networks projected a winner.  

I cried when John McCain spoke. 

So eloquent.  

So gracious.  

So classy.  

I hurt for him.  

He truly is a hero who has sacrificed more 

than I ever knew I had.

I cried when I saw Barack Obama speak to more than 

a million people.  

I cried because I was happy.  

I cried because I was scared.  

I cried because I was relieved.  

I cried because our country has taken another step.  

A step toward growing up.  

When Geraldine Ferraro said in 1984 that 

"America is the land where dreams can come true for all of us," 

it wasn't really true.  

I cried tonight because now it is, 

or at least we're a lot closer to where that is.  

I cried because the hope is so big 

it feels like it's going to burst through my chest.  

The hope that we can be respected again in the world.  

The hope that we can have peace.  

The hope that we can all just get along and be proud Americans, 

no matter what our beliefs or philosophies.  

The hope that we can have differing opinions 

but still respect each other and work together.  

I cried when Barack Obama talked about his grandmother.  

I miss mine, 

and I know how it feels to have wonderful things happen 

and to wish the people you love the most were 

there by your side.

I cried because I'm proud.  

I'm proud to be an American.

I'm grateful to live in a country where I have the right

to speak

to teach

to debate

to vote

to dream

to hope.

Hope and gratitude.

Important words in my life.

I'm so filled to the brim, they spilled out.

I cried.