Yes, we can.

Patrick was just over 2 months old when we watched, from Australia, Barack Obama accept the Democratic party's nomination for president. Some of you have seen that photo. Today, I held him in my arms while I voted in this historic election, at the local elementary school where volunteers handed out donuts and hot coffee as we rubbed our hands while waiting in line in the chill and anticipation of an autumn early morning. He rested on my shoulders as, together (for this election was very much about him), we voted for a candidate who reminds us of what the United States of America can be, rather than what it had become these past 8 years. I wanted him there with me, at that moment.

"... that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and to those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people. Yes We Can."