Mr. President

Today, history was made.

Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the nation's first black president.

My husband and I planned to attend the inauguration and even went as far as to book a hotel room in D.C. in May, in anticipation of Obama's victory. But, since we didn't get tickets to the swearing in, and knew we'd have a better view at home, we decided at the last minute to avoid the crowds and cold weather and watch the festivities from our warm home. 

Whether in New Jersey or the nation's capital, the day was filled with emotion. I got chills at the first look of then the president-elect and his wife as they entered St. Joseph's Church. And I cried when Obama walked, coolly and calmly, down the hall before exiting the doors onto the Capitol where he took the oath of office.

I've mentioned this in my blogs before, but it's so amazing to me that America has a black president. I'm 33 years old and I didn't think this would happen in my lifetime. But today, a black man was sworn in as the president of the greatest country in the world. He stood on the same steps that his ancestors built. Amazing.

When I pray for my family and friends at night, I will include the first family. I will ask God to protect them, to give the president the insight to lead with humility and to embrace with courage the enormous responsibility that now lies on his shoulders.