Issue 18: Family
Janice Croze || Founder/Owner, 5 Minutes for Mom
As neighbours and friends, we Canadians held our breath as America voted. We knew the vote would not just determine America’s fate, but all of North America’s and the rest of the world’s.
While Americans sided with issues and party lines, those of us outside the US borders felt the world begging for change. We hoped and some of us prayed.
And then it happened. We watched the first African American President of the United States emerge, one hand waving to the crowd, the other holding the hand of his young daughter. We couldn’t turn away from the historical scene.
As a mother, I held my daughter and breathed in hope. While crowds around the world cheered, I quietly watched a family – an ordinary family who had faced challenges and injustices – triumph together and show the world that revolutionary change is possible.
Family life is bigger than an administration. It is shaped over generations and varies from country to country, city to city, and house to house.
But Barack Obama represents perseverance, determination and hope. He is a symbol of realizing the impossible.
Regardless of political opinions, we can look at his humble beginnings and see the sacrifices and commitment of family. He triumphed and changed the world because of family members coming together to raise a child.
Right now, families all over the world are dealing with the consequences of war and economic crisis. There are no quick and painless solutions to the challenges the new administration meets.
But there is hope. And we can bring that hope into our homes. We can teach our children that the world is changing. What was unimaginable just a few decades ago has happened.
The generation we are raising right now can also revolutionize the world.
They can break down barriers, they can endure and conquer. They can rise from humble stations and become great leaders. They can become better people.
It is our job as their parents to give them the education, the courage, the belief and the hope to do so. It is our job to take the inspiration of Barack Obama and instil it in our families.
What Do You Think? Post Your Response
Recent Responses
Beautiful post!
Janice, I love the way you link the concept of change to the dynamics of the family. I, too, am pinning a lot of hope on the Obama administration to bring about the changes we so desperately need, but at the same time I am mindful that change has to begin with me and with each of us. Politicians cannot effect change if we, the people, are not willing to change ourselves. America, by electing its first African American president, has said, “Yes, we can.”
WOW. That says it all. I agree with you that it is time for a change and we need to be a part of it. We need to teach our children and give them the courage to try different things.
I too am looking forward to what Barack Obama has in store.
Janice, your words are right on - I’ve witnessed these feelings of hope grow stronger in friends who supported the other party during the election but are now united for the new administration.
A much-needed reminder that greatness begins in the family, and with it hope for each country and with a nation as powerful as the U.S., the world. Having traveled to many countries in the past year, including Canada, I saw firsthand how much hope is pinned on Obama to bring change. A cab driver in Kuala Lumur desperate for Obama to win sternly lectured us about the past eight years with more knowledge of our country’s politics than most Americans have. A waitress in France let loose on McCain and Palin. Two grandparents raising a teen in Hawaii have had an impact they never could have imagined. The hand that rocks the cradle!
My hope is that Americans will realize that change is going to take buckling down and making tough sacrifices before we see results. My hope is that Obama’s message for change will endure the harder times to come, that we will always keep our eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel, and that we will pass that sight on to our children.
I know that when tragedy strikes Americans stand strong together. We will weather this storm as long as Hope prevails. Hope that is instilled, not just through the upcoming administration, but through each and every American who is a parent as well.
Thanks, Janice, for the words of encouragement on how Obama will impact our families.
I totally agree! I can’t imagine facing the crushing problems the U.S. is facing if Obama hadn’t been elected. I just don’t think McCain/Palin could handle this. I really hope Obama can, but I feel confident that once he’s in office, he’ll start making necessary changes. His cabinet appointments so far have shown, I think, that he has a clue. Finally: A U.S. president with a clue.
Your post brings tears to my eyes. This very important election was the first time I’ve voted for a “winner.” I have hope in my heart for our country and the world.
Very well said! It’s so uplifting to know that HOPE is filling our government as well as our homes. I hope that everyone will come together and unite in HOPE for a better future! Obama serves as a symbol of this HOPE that our country so dearly needs at this time!
How amazingly true your words are! I hope that the people who didn’t vote for Obama will come to see that there is great hope for this country in this time of war and crisis. As a Canadian living within the walls of the country, I have seen the reactions of its people first hand. I hope to see the people of this great nation come together for a great change!
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44 Issues in 44 Days
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# 38: Child Advocacy
# 42: Theatre
# 36: Fashion
# 30: Iraq War
# 35: Diplomacy
# 20: Rural America
Inaugural Insight
- The inauguration for the first U.S. president, George Washington, was held on April 30, 1789 in New York City.