I can't remember a time in my life that the swearing in of a president has been marked on my calendar. I can't remember ever before feeling a bit giddy with anticipation to witness the ceremony. I'm not even sure, in any given year, if I could have told you the significance of the date -- January 20.
I've arranged the events of my week with this celebration in mind -- the day Barack Obama becomes President of the United States of America -- and I'm a little surprised when I see that not everyone has. School is in session. People are going to work. We actually took our car in for an oil change this morning.
I've been reading Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope. I know, I'm a little slow. When I picked it up two years ago, I just wasn't in the place to process it.
Among friends who have known me for a while, I know I don't have a reputation for being particularly politically minded. I do tend to be rather community, minded, however. And for the first time I am really feeling that maybe the two are not so far apart.
I am hopeful.
I am inspired.
Cheryl linked to this poem on NPR yesterday, and I'm linking to it today for those of you who didn't see it there.
U Being U, Mr. President Elect
I think it sums up my feelings on the subject nicely.
4 comments:
There was this mantra around here about how "school must go on" even on inauguration day. Trying to discourage parents from keeping kids out to share the day...the important historic national day. Ridiculous.
Anyway...great day.
Here via Sandra's site.
I finally read The Audacity of Hope right before the election -- and felt like I was way behind at the time. I'm sure it'll still give someone else hope when they read it a few years from now! Inspiration is inspiration and good ideas don't go bad.
Thank you for posting the poem!
P.S.--I never thought about keeping my kids home--I knew the teachers already planned to air the event and discuss.
Of course, what my daughter got out of yesterday was that they had to miss recess to listen to Obama's speech! *sigh*
(I forget. I tried, for a few minutes, to explain that recess will be there everyday but it is a rare moment to witness the swearing in of a new president, let alone such a historical and hopeful event such as this. With DVRs and computers however, my kids were not worried about missing the coverage!)
Paige stayed home from high school to watch because she couldn't confirm any of her teachers were going to watch it. It was scheduled into Aidan and Emily's school schedules. The school I was at had quite a celebration all day long. It was a great day. Love to see you so inspired and optimistic.
Melissa
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