Obama's Grandmother Passes

As this election winds down to a close and anticipation is high across the country, we have learned this afternoon of the sad death of Barack Obama's beloved grandmother. Madelyn Payne Dunham who was 86 recently, died of cancer earlier today. Barack was speaking in Jacksonville, Florida when he got the news and made the announcement.

Barack has made numerous references to the influence his grandmother has had on his life. He has told the story many times of her doing without things she needed, in order to provide the things Barack and his sister needed. His love for her was obvious.

Mrs. Dunham, who along with her husband Stanley, were among the biggest influences on a young Barack Obama. Strong Kansas roots and traditional family values were instilled in Barack at an early age. Growing up in Hawaii with the lessons of people from the Great Depression and the World War 11 era is evident is how Barack handles himself.

The challenges of this family who did a large majority of the rearing of this man and his sister, must have been such work. Even in Hawaii, it was not an even walk for blacks. Just the times were difficult enough by themselves, but to be raising a bi-racial grandchild at that time was almost the ultimate test of love.

Madelyn Dunham was a saint of a woman. Her strong moral character and her honest ideals shine in every single action that Barack Obama takes. He is thoughtful and he is an honest man. He has true concern for his fellow American and he has the strong will to lead. Madelyn had those qualities as well. He long life of 86 years proves that she was determined and was a good person.

Her legacy will live on in her grandson and granddaughter. She has given them the wings to fly and to lead others to things much greater than themselves. The legacy of Barack Obama's bid for the Presidency will forever be written in the history books, no matter the outcome tomorrow.

As a grandmother of bi-racial grandchildren, I honor Madelyn Payne Dunham, who stood by her grandchildren and gave them the opportunities to achieve goals that not all can achieve.

I am sure that the millions of Barack Obama supporters across the country are as saddened by Madelyn's death as I am. When Barack went to Hawaii recently to be with her, America had her in their prayers. I was praying and hoping that she would live to see her amazing grandson break all the barriers of minorities across the US and become President of the United States of America.

We know Mrs. Dunham was a good Christian woman. We also know that in believing that, we also believe she is in Heaven as we speak, watching things unfold tomorrow. We know how proud she was of Barack and we know that she had confidence that she had given him enough foundation to do the job he is seeking to do.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Barack, his sister, and the entire family of Madelyn Dunham. God Bless You. You now have one more angel watching over this crazy world.