Hope

Hope has always been a significant word in my life. My name means hope in Russian, and it has always been a guiding force for me. I don't always have perfect faith or all-consuming optimism, but when it comes down to it, I have hope... hope that my best will be good enough, hope that my children will grow to be happy and fulfilled adults, hope that there is a plan for me that is greater than myself and hope that where we are today is only a jumping-off place for where we will someday be. Maybe that's why today has meant so much to me.

I'd like to share my favorite part of today's inauguration address...

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
(for the complete text visit http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_obama_text_10)

And so, today I find myself full of hope, and promising not to write anymore political blog posts.

image from www.adpulp.com