Hi Kids,

Can't believe that tomorrow we'll watch our first African-American President take his oath of office!

Grandma and Grandpa never thought that would happen. Me and your dad had hoped that it would and for you two, it'll be like no big deal as you grow up and tell your kids one day how you were a part of the whole process.

But really, for you both, Barack Obama's oath of office can simply mean that there are no excuses for you not to become everything and anything you wanted to be in life.

Remember when we were doing the grocery shopping awhile back and this guy passed us pushing his cart with a couple of little ones in it and he didn't say a word to me but as he passed you two and your dad, he muttered "terrorists".

We talked about it so much. How you can never, ever listen to people who are only trying to bring you down with them. Always remember how crazy-jealous I am of your beautiful black, shiny hair, your big, brown eyes and dark honey-colored skin! I always said if only all my freckles would connect, I could finally have a tan like you and your dad, ha ha.

And never sit back and take the lumps that some life events and some hateful people in it throw at you. Barack Obama could have but didn't. And tomorrow, he'll be leading our country. He'll make mistakes, and so will you in life. He'll have problems to solve, and so will you in life. His patience, intelligence and diplomacy will be challenged, and so will yours in life.

But always, always choose the road that promotes respect between us all and dignity for us all...no excuses!

With much love and the audacity to hope,

Mom