Making Dreams Come True

[Haveadream]

With the reality of the first woman in history to win the nomination for President of the United States upon us, I find myself thinking about dreams. I remember being overwhelmed with emotion on election night in 2008, overcome with joy that we had elected our first black president. Obama had achieved what we never could have imagined be possible. I gazed at all the tear streaked faces and knew we were sharing an event that would be cherished as a high point in all of our lives. We were sharing a dream come true. For women and minorities, we are writing the script of history again.

Although many detractors are trying to quench the phenomenal nature of what Hillary is achieving, she, like Obama, is on the precipice of an accomplishment that will change the world. Make no mistake: women across the globe are watching this election and billions look to Hillary as a role model and leader. Because the United States is the world's leader and has never allowed a woman to be President, this milestone matters. Through her achievement, women can believe they have a destiny that is being made manifest. It is so momentous many scarcely allow themselves to actually believe it might happen and to take in all that means for the possibilities for women worldwide. What has always been absolutely impossible might just be possible.

There was a story about a little girl who heard the news that Hillary might make it a reality that a girl can grow up to be President. She beamed and responded with hope and joy. Her unadulterated elation is one that resides in so many supporters, quiet and watchful beneath an interrupted history of discrimination, chastisement and ridicule for even daring to hope. What some perceive as a lack is in reality a caution wrought by years of impossibility, of knowing that something that is so dreamed of could never come true.

That is the reason Hillary's supporters proceed carefully but with steady drive, just as she has. And, far from a lack of excitement, it is a focused, intensity of purpose that those who have not been prevented from sharing dreams can never imagine. While others may be loud and reckless with the invincible confidence of those who believe victory is at hand, they have far less at risk and have a history of losing far less. Many of the disenfranchised instinctively know that such abandon is a privilege compared to the tempered strength with which Hillary, minorities and women have had to pursue their dreams. They have not been able to celebrate victories before they are truly theirs because they are so hard fought and so rarely, if ever, won.

Hillary and her supporters do not take their dreams for granted. Each step toward them is measured with equal parts of courage, immense gratitude, resilience and joy. That is what heroes look like. That is what a history making triumph looks like. And that is how the dreams of so many before us and those ahead are going to finally come true.

[tonyt53]

1. History is just beginning. In November, more will be written. In January, it will be complete.

[Haveadream]

4. Yes, it will, tony53!

This is just the beginning!

[ismnotwasm]

2. K&R

[Haveadream]

6. Thank you so much, ismnotwasm

[Her Sister]

3. WoW! Nice!

Thanks for your words! We're getting closer everyday!

[Haveadream]

5. Thank you so much, Her Sister.

First Obama, now Hillary. To live in this time when history is being made is a humbling and empowering experience. Hillary is an inspiration for which we are so fortunate and for which I am incredibly grateful.

[caquillo]

7. "First Obama, now Hillary"

And the Democrats were the first to do it, while the Republicans are stuck in some mid-20th century time warp!

Incidentally, the Dems were also the first to appoint a woman for vice president -- Geraldine Ferraro in 1984. It took the Repubs 28 years to appoint Sarah Palin as McCain's VP... in the same year that Hillary came very close to securing the DNC nomination.

[Rose Siding]

8. That's lovely. Thank you

When the news comes fast and furious on days like today, the import hits me in the face and I just.....wonder at it all.

Thanks for this. We live in interesting times.