Yes they can!

Facebook is amazing. You can get instant updates from friends and relatives who are thousands of miles away and in different time zones. It sure is a lot cheaper than calling them on the phone. But you already know that. What I really appreciate is the fact that you could tell everyone how even your mundane activities went. A simple conversation with another person for instance.

My niece Janice has the gift of storytelling. She tells them wonderfully. Janice ought to be telling them stories more often. Upon reading her note on Facebook, I had to write her immediately:

Hi Janice! I totally empathize with your blog. Though I'm thousands of miles away from this, I feel your great hope for Asian Americans. Heck, now I'm dreaming about shaking the hand of a Governor Ikaika Ocampo Lealamanua or a Congressman Cole Ocampo in the future. I know it could be just fantasy now, but only heaven knows really. Hmmm...I think now is the perfect time your tita and I can work on our dual citizenship. hehe... Again, may I request permission to repost this on my blog?

Janice's reply felt like it was straight out of Chicago's historic Grant Park giant speakers: "Of course you can!"

Here goes:

...just a conversation

"I had another patient yesterday, a black woman. She said this.... " I never thought in MY lifetime that I would see this... " Can you think of how many people are alive today, who lived through the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement... who heard Dr. MLK (Martin Luther King) speak ... who sat on the back of the bus... Can say the exact same thing right now -- regardless of the outcome of this election. Open your mind and live in THEIR shoes, for just one moment. You may realize that today is a day like no other. Appreciate this moment in history, that you are a part of."

I bet that day with the African American woman was a day that left an indelible imprint in my niece's memory. It was "just a conversation" but it was loaded with valuable pride and emotion. Would've been great to have joined in, even for a short while.

Yes, I am a Filipino living in the future sin city of the Philippines (Paranaque will make like Vegas very soon) and the victory of Obama will not directly impact my lifestyle and our direct socio-political environment. However, the YES YOU CAN attitude will definitely augur well for my children's future...even here in Pilipinas kong mahal.

You're darn right they can!