As a "blue state" girl I didn't think I'd ever have the opportunity to see Sen. Obama in actual real live person. But, he was in Reno last weekend, so we got up at 3 am and made the trek over there. We arrived at 6 am, gates opened at 7:30, then we stood like sardines until he arrived at 10. We met a lot of great people! We are surrounded by Republicans in our daily life and it was just amazing to be in the company of like-minded people. The diversity was incredible. Just within our reach were blacks, whites, latinos and Native Americans.

The rally was so organized, even though it was a last minute event. Security was tight (thankfully!) The weather was perfect. I almost couldn't breathe I was so excited!

When he walked into the stadium the place erupted! In an open stadium you could feel the oxygen get sucked out of the air. He shook a few hands before taking the stage, then proceeded to give an inspiring speech. Part way through the electricity went off, so he walked around and visited for a few minutes before it came back on, joked about UNR not being able to pay their electricity bill either!  He finished up, left the stage, then started the handshaking all around the front of the stage.

As you can see by the photos we were very close, and were actually able to shake his hand. I know...he's just a man, not a celebrity, but for that one moment I was 13 and he was Paul McCartney. I'd wanted to say something memorable to him, but not a word would come out.

As we left the stadium, my husband, a big burly guy not prone to a lot of sentimentality said, "Not counting the birth of our kids and grandkids, this is one of the top 5 best days of my life." I just cried.