The first thing I thought about Tuesday night was my children.

And then I cried.

I couldn't help myself. I cried when it became clear that the nation would have its first black president.

Yes, I'm a journalist.  Yes, I'm fair and impartial in my reporting.

But I am also human.  So when it became clear that a black man had been elected president, I moved into a private corner of the room, and tears ran down my cheeks..

I cried because I am so happy that my elderly parents lived to see this day.

I cried because my own children now have a real life example that they can achieve anything they want in this world, regardless of race.

I cried because the United States and the world now have an example of a high profile black man who isn't a rapper, dancer, or thug.

I cried because this is a new day in America... and I'm so thrilled.

When Barack Obama is officially sworn in and starts to lead this country, we'll hold him accountable for everything he does or does not do.

But for now I'm going to enjoy this moment as a black woman witnessing a day I wasn't sure I'd ever live to see myself.

And for now, I'm just going to cry... tears of joy.