I wish I was a poet so that I could describe my feelings with more elegance and grace.

I was moved to tears as I watched President-Elect Obama walk across the platform with his beautiful family. I was proud to be an American and proud of how far our country has come. I was proud to have taken part in the election and proud to have made my voice heard.

I am relieved that Obama has a reasonable plan to bring troops home from Iraq and that my former comrades in arms will once again be home with their families. I am relieved that my own family will be less likely to be rocked by a long separation.

I am excited that we can voice our opinions and change things for the better. I am excited that my children can see that everyone can accomplish great things regardless of their race or gender, that everyone is equal. I am excited that they can see that through hard work and perseverance they can achieve any goal.

The feeling above all others is hope. Hope for the future of America and the world. Hope for the oppressed, hope for the downtrodden. Hope for a better world for my children and my children's children.