Election Day

This is such a historic day. I am on pins and needles. Is Obama going to win or is he going to lose?My neighborhood has changed. There is a no-fly zone and they have block my street off since I live only block away from him. Today I couldn't even walk by his house on the sidewalk, whereas yesterday I could. What a difference a day makes. 

Who knew I would be living nearby possibly the next president of the United States. 

I am going to print an e-mail I sent out to friends recalling the first time I heard Obama's name. And guess what? I couldn't pronounce it at first. 

As someone who lives just blocks from Obama here in Chicago, it's exciting to see this day. I can remember the first time I heard his name here at my church. He was running for the U.S. Senate. At the time, I couldn't support his effort because I worked for the newspaper. But when he won the seat, a colleague of mine and I agreed he was someone to watch. 

A year or two after his run for the Senate I heard him speak at a luncheon in Chicago against the Iraq War. He was succinct in his argument and gracious in his delivery. His speech had a beginning, a middle and an end. Who knew then I would see this day. 

I voted early in the South Side on Cottage Grove and waited three hours. I said my prayer for him and his family and hope America is ready for this change. I know the world is. I heard a man shout Obama's name to me in Greece. And judging from my hours at the unemployment office Monday, I know people want to work and live out the American dream. I know I do. His success shows the possibility is within reach. 

Lisa