As mentioned before, I've been a bit more pragmatic about this election cycle than one wold probably imagine an emotional creative type like myself to be. However, yesterday when Barack Obama lost his grandmother who was the rock of his family it really hit home. 3 weeks ago I lost my 100 year old mixed race grandmother who helped raise me. She left this earth just as my greatest accomplishments are at hand. Seeing him go through a very similar thing stirred that special place in my heart.

When I got to the voting booth today I went on a journey. I remembered every story my grandmother ever told me about being raised in Mississippi. Her memories of the hatred, sadness and oppression she witnessed in her childhood and early years and the love, strength and pride that helped her and so many millions more to survive and often thrive despite it all. I remembered the words she shared with me about doing my best, being honorable and living with integrity. About how everything thing she ever did was so that we could have a better life than she did and how giving back is the key to a wonderful and fulfilling life. I remember how strong her faith was that someday it would all be worth it.

Today when I cast my vote, my pragmatic...spiritually mature...thinking I was not gonna be caught up in the hoopla ass...shed a beautiful, sincere and bittersweet tear.

The sacrifices were worth it grandma.

The world is a better place.