I've been crying for two hours...

[CoffeeCat]

When they finally called it, I just sat on the couch and cried. It was as if someone lifted
me into the sunshine, after being in the dark for so long.

Last week, my husband asked me if I wanted to go to Grant Park for the victory celebration. I
ignored his suggestion, and I now realize why I did that. After 2000 and 2004, I was scared.
I was scared that we wouldn't win. That America wouldn't see what I saw in Obama. Or that
there would be widespread election theft that would never be reconciled.

When they put those words on the screen, "President Elect Obama" the tears just flowed. Tears
of joy. Tears of elation. Tears of sadness and grief for the tremendous losses of the past
eight years.

I cried on and off through McCain's speech, which I thought was very gracious and heartfelt.
I cried when I saw the crowd shots in Grant Park, and around the world. I cried when
John Louis spoke about race relations, and when I saw Jesse Jackson crying in the crowd.

I cried through Obama's speech. I cried when Vice-President-Elect Joe Biden walked on the stage.

My husband cried the entire time too--and this is not a man who cries easily.

I told my husband, "I'm crying for the pain of the last eight years, but I'm also crying
because our children have their futures back." For the first time since they were born,
I am excited about what lies on the horizon for them. I'm not scared anymore.

It's going to take a while to adjust to the enormity of what has happened here tonight.

I think a part of me---will always be crying tears of joy about Obama taking his place
in history, and also tears of grief for what happened to our great country during the
past eight years.

It's truly a new day in America, or as I said to my husband, "Nothing will ever be the
same again."

[chookie]

1. This is history, my dear

We lived to see this moment.

The whole world changed, for the better, tonight.

In the future, historians will refer to JFK as "Obamaesque." (And this is from a hard core JFK person).

I'm reeling, dancing in joy, like all those happy faces in Grant Park.

Cherish this moment, and share it with all the generations that follow you.

[CoffeeCat]

15. You sound so happy...

...and I agree with you that "Obamaesque" will become a historical term.

So much for the "Bradley effect." In future generations, they will talk about the "Obama effect", right? ;)

I agree with you that this moment should be cherished. I feel inspired to start a scrapbook or journal about this. It
really is historic.

We're all so lucky to be living in "interesting times."

As you said---"the world changed for the better, tonight." It's just so amazing that we lived to see
something so significant, that can be described in that way.

:) :hug:

[uppityperson]

2. Thank you for writing what I could write, but better. Me too.

[geekgrrl]

3. Me too-- it is overwhelming. I'm not sure if it isn't a dream

[Sydnie]

4. I echo each of your points but I jhaven't cried much tonight which I find strange

I cried when President Obama talked about the 106 year old voter, specifically when he said she touched her finger to a screen to vote for change. It was at that very moment that it hit me in a big way. Yes WE can. Not, I, not me, not you, not him, not her, ... but WE!

Here's hugs to you for sharing all the pain with me for these last dark years and for standing next to me in the warmth of the light. I love you TwoSparkles. :hug:

[CoffeeCat]

5. Oh, thank you too, Sydnie...

I have always appreciated your kind words and the way we have commiserated during these tough years.

The joy of this moment gives us strength to fully take in how desperate the past eight years have been. We all
helped each other through these rough times. Whether we were venting anger, sarcasm or posting jokes to deal
with all of it---we have been there for each other through all of this.

I appreciate you Sydnie and I love ya tons for your quick wit and your kind words.

I agree with you on how poignant Obama's words were about the 106-year-old voter who touched her finger to the screen. Wow. When you
think of everything she has seen, and now SHE can vote AND vote for an African American for President--it's so heartwarming and wonderful.

:) :hug:

[illuminaughty]

6. Such a beautiful post that defines how many of us are feeling

The threads are moving so fast, I'm glad to catch yours. It sums up how I feel exactly.

For the most part after the devastation of 2004 I stopped posting on here. I always read, never posted. I became so cynical about politics in general.

Well, my equally cynical friends have dropped by and friends have called...all ages, races, all in tears and geared up with hope.

[CoffeeCat]

10. I think many people...

...were tremendously affected by the Bush years. Like you said, it made us all very cynical.

It was very damaging psychologically. Our democracy and civil rights were being dismantled. I
was scared for my children, and I wondered what exactly would be left for them.

For people who didn't support Bush, who were plugged into what he was doing--it was an assault.
Very traumatic.

I posted on here to vent and to deal with it. However, I can understand 'not posting' too. You
want to read, so you know what's going on--but in a way you have to detach, to cope. I understand.

I'm glad we were there for each other. Even if we were just reading--it's nice to know that you're not
alone and that others feel the same.

I'm realizing what great therapy DU has been for me during BushCo. I think I need to donate more!

Nice to hear that your friends are emotional and happy right along with you! :)

[illuminaughty]

17. Read my mind.

We're poor as hell (who isn't) but I decided to get my star back up and donate.


Thanks.

[illuminaughty]

7. Such a beautiful post that defines how many of us are feeling

The threads are moving so fast, I'm glad to catch yours. It sums up how I feel exactly.

For the most part after the devastation of 2004 I stopped posting on here. I always read, never posted. I became so cynical about politics in general.

Well, my equally cynical friends have dropped by and friends have called...all ages, races, all in tears and geared up with hope.

[mzmolly]

8. So beautifully stated

Two Sparkles.

Thank you for capturing this moment in history, in such a lovely, heartfelt way.

:hug:

[CoffeeCat]

13. You too mzmolly...

I always enjoy your posts.

We're all so moved, and it's so nice to feel this with fellow DUers.

[msallied]

9. SAme here. And I cried in all the same areas.

I bawled like a baby when John Lewis spoke on MSNBC too. Lord, I'm tearing up again right now!!

[GardeningGal]

11. Me too. My eyes are going to be swollen tomorrow.

And I don't care. I'm just so happy for the future.

[Swamp Rat]

12. me too!

:hug:

[Bobbie Jo]

14. I've been crying ever since I pushed the VOTE button this morning.

This really did happen, didn't it? I can honestly say I have never been more proud of my country than I was today.

[renate]

16. "our children have their futures back"

That's it right there for me.