As I write this blog (Friday, January 16th, 2009),  I am preparing to head to Washington, DC for the Inauguration of President Elect, Barack Obama.  Last week, I talked to an excited parent of a local child being invited to attend the event and emails keep building up in my box from people planning inauguration viewing parties. I've already checked with my producers, I have three of them, on who wants me to bring them back memorabilia. As seen by the number of people expected to attend the inauguration, this is quite an exciting time in the history of the United States. 

And, it is also an event that teaches us many, many lessons. Lessons in democracy, lessons about the power of agreement, lessons about  never saying never, lessons you can never find in a textbook, and how with dedication, focus and people who support and believe in you, you can indeed be anything you want, including the president of the United States of America.

 I am not attending the inauguration on behalf of the television station. I am going with my 73-year-old mother to witness and be part of history. And, I imagine I will shed some tears when I look at her as she witnesses a scene she never thought she would see in her lifetime. 

 My mom grew up in segregation in Mississippi and she knew what discrimination, racism and marginalization was all about. And, while she never told her kids, that they could ever become the President of the United States, she raised us;her two African American boys and two girls, to work hard, get an education and contribute to society. But, now within her lifetime,she can look at her great grand children and indeed say, work hard, get an education and you can be anything you want, including the President of the United States!  And, she can say that with confidence because she witnessed the Inauguration of the first African American President.!

Elaine