"THE AMERICAN DREAM: EVEN CANUCKS HAVE THEM"

Today, I was a part of history in the making. Today, I shared in the excitement and the magic of an entire nation. Today, I am full of hope and promise even through this time of economic uncertainty. Why you ask?I, like millions of people all over the world, watched with baited breath as 'Barack Hussein Obama' was sworn-in as the 44th President of the United States.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen, all in anticipation of this incredible event taking place before my eyes. There, he was. A simple man, a humble man, a man that has not only made his mark in the political forefront, but has captured the hearts of all people globally and after 8 years of the Bush Administration it was definitely a welcomed (and much needed) change!

The theme of the inauguration was appropriately entitled 'Renewing America's Promise' but he in fact renewed the promise of everyone in every nation sharing his vision. That very moment, people of every colour, every race and every creed had a sense of renewed hope that things can change. Throngs of people braved the cold, cheered and proudly waved their flags while hanging off his every word. They had tears in their eyes so overcome with emotion they could hardly contain themselves, many had been there before dawn to see what they'd anxiously waited to see an entire lifetime. All to have their very own piece of history to take home with them, tell their children and grandchildren of an incredible moment in time when one man made a difference.

I can honestly say now that I look to the future with more optimism after witnessing a moment of this historical significance first hand. My only wish as a Canadian is that 'Obama-fever' would trickle up north of the border to our own political leaders (yes, I'm talking to you 'Stephen Harper'!) to renew hope in us as well. We need to find our own 'defining' moment in history. I just hope it doesn't take an entire lifetime to get there.