1-21-09
5:17 pm
Well, it’s good to be home. Here is what I missed most, in order of priority: my kids, my own organic coffee, my own shower, and my own bed. But even though it was an epic challenge of a trip, I am glad I went…not so much for the big moments but for the little ones.
But the farther we got from Washington, the more things seemed to return to normal. I remember that from living in DC back in 1986. When you are inside the Beltway, everyone lives and breathes politics all the time. Outside of it, the rest of us live regular lives and dip our toes in the political pool when things are interesting. Now that I am home I am actually looking forward to SEEING the inauguration on TV.
I went to the inauguration and returned feeling energized in a way that I had not felt in a very long time. It’s a feeling that began a couple of years ago and grew into something indescribable this past November. I was determined to be in Washington for Barack Obama’s swearing in. I boarded a bus from the Allentown Fairgrounds at 2am and arrived in DC at about 5:30 Tuesday morning. Everyone was excited … everyone on the streets was excited. I met many new people and we have committed to staying in touch and answering our president’s call to get involved and help make the USA the country it was always meant to be. Friends and family who could not be in DC on that day were glad that I was there and told me that they felt a part of it because I was there. I phoned and text messaged people throughout the day. The feeling of hope and renewal was palpable. My brother is a Capitol policeman and he and I were in contact throughout the day. Though I never got to see him, we still were able to share the experience and it was magical. And it remains magical! At home I’ve been amazed at the excitement I see and hear as I talk with others about what it was like to be part of that massive crowd, to hear and see the dawn of a new day for our country, and to get started on the next phase of this journey. My life will never be the same again.
Yay, Carmen! Let’s keep the magic alive!