When I first looked at this card what struck me is that change is a coming.  After Obama's win last night and the wave of enthusiasm and the revitalization of voters, I think the winds of change are sweeping through the U.S.   I have to admit I'm looking forward to it but I'm cautious too.  I was not an initial supporter of Obama, I supported Hillary.  And although I think he's the better candidate than McCain, I'm taking a wait and see approach.

What has truly moved me is watching the reactions among blacks in the U.S.  The news is filled with images of elderly black men and women who are choked up because they are so moved.  People in NYC broke into random celebrations throughout the city when the nomination was finalized.  Regardless of how his presidency turns out, Obama's election will change the face of America.

It's also a lot of responsibility he's taking on - not just as the new president but in living up to the expectations of the black and other communities of color in the U.S.  That's a scary prospect for anyone.  I do hope he does well and I hope he absolutely blows away my expectations.  I realize that part of my resistance to fully embracing Obama is that I'm almost afraid to hope.  For so long I have hoped for better things and seen them get twisted and perverted.  It's not that I think Obama will do this but let's face it - America has a lot of special interests and they hold a lot of influence and power.  Watching Obama get elected was sort of like watching the Frank Capra movie "State of the Union" but without the backdoor politics that ultimately forced Spencer Tracy's character to twist his original goals and vision.  Hopefully Obama was able to make it to this point without having to compromise his vision and principles too much.

I will always regret that Hillary will never be president of the US.  Let's face it, it's very likely Obama will run for a second term.  And unlike Ted Kennedy in 1980, I can't see Hillary running against an incumbent Democratic president.  And in 2016 Hillary will be in her 70s.  I just can't see U.S. voters elected a woman of that age president regardless of her qualifications.  I have to finish mourning for what I feel has been lost before I can fully embrace Obama.  I'm glad he won but I'm not fully able to celebrate that victory just yet.