“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord … The time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit. To choose a better history, to carry forward that precious gift, a noble idea passed on from generation to generation. The God given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”  President Barack Obama

Finally. Finally. Finally. I have been waiting eight long years for this day. Eight long years of policies I didn’t understand or didn’t agree with. I waited eight years for a candidate that I believed in. Eight years later we have a president that sparks inspiration and brings hope back into this country. Finally, we have a president that we can believe in because he believes in us.

I saw Barack Obama during an initial campaign stop in May 2007 with four of my friends. There were 200 people packed into the Downtown Marriot, and we were in the back, behind press row.  We didn’t know him and we didn’t know much about him. We figured we’d go, hear what he had to say and see how things shook out over the next year and a half. By the end of the small rally, I was hooked.

I’m watching him walk out into the crowd. Out to the podium where he will be sworn in. He’s confident, he’s smiling, he just turned to his daughters and said “this is for you.”  He’s probably nervous, the entire world is watching. The crowd is going crazy. Hundreds of thousands of tiny specks packed into the National Mall waving flags changing “Obama! Obama!” I can only imagine the energy they’re feeling.

I am so proud he is our 44th president. His story is so much like ours. He is not a political elitist. He was not born into privilege. Through hard work, prosperity, dedication and selflessness he was able to overcome so many obstacles and become a true American icon. His story will, without a doubt, inspire millions into becoming better humans. He has inspired me.

On a complete side note, I am kid of sad for President George W. Bush. The ceremony is over, and he was quickly swept up in Marine One, a military chopper and taken to Crawford, Texas. It’s kind of sad. Just like that, he’s done, he’s gone, he’s no longer in power.

The Obamas and Bidens are standing side by side waving good bye, ready to run the country. Good luck Mr. President.