America: Happy, Happy, Happy !!

Happy, Happy, Happy !!
By Diane Stirling-Stevens / The Rag Blog / November 4, 2008

Boy, what a wonderful day I had! My back was killing me; took my pain medication, and finally headed over to the casino to gamble; eat lunch, and watch the election as it unfolded.

I 'placed my numbers' - always use #44 since it's Hank Aaron's number, and he was my favorite baseball player (it is also the number of the president who was elected today). I was 'up and down' - hit $100; then down - then hit another $100, and after going up and down with about $75 still in the machine, I nailed it for $4,700.00 shortly after 4 this afternoon. I broke into tears of happiness; gave out $300 for a tip - handed out a few hundred to those who were seated near me (and hadn't had a bite/good luck), and told a couple people 'now if only Obama wins I'll have had the best day'.

I went home to get my husband to treat him to dinner; that was wonderful, and when we came out Obama was 'over the top' - the casino and restaurant was in an uproar of happiness, and we spent the rest of the time having 'good cheer drinks', and celebrating.

I'm happy my family in Ohio; California, Michigan and Florida all 'chimed in' at the last, and agreed Obama was the 'pick', and I see he carried all of those states as well as my state of Nevada - now that was just the 'topping' on a wonderful election day/night cake for me.

I loved Obama's speech; he was clearly happy and grateful, but still that wonderful reserved and poised individual that I admire so much.

I can hardly wait to ring our neighbor's door-bell tomorrow; they are a lovely black family, and they all were so unsure of Obama's success - I bet they are celebrating now, but I don't want to interfere with their family gathering, so tomorrow is soon enough.

It's more than an election to me; it's an acceptance that not just a 'white man' is qualified to be president, but that anyone with the right education, desire, and commitment should be eligible to become a leader for our country (or our state), in a capacity where they can represent our dreams and goals because they share them, too.

I don't think I'll sleep easily tonight; it's just too wonderful. I must say coming home with a wad of $100 bills made it just a bit more delightful ....

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