Tuesday, January 20, 2009

What a beautiful day

Can you believe it?! Today made the dream ,we've all imagine, into a reality. I think I'm still almost in disbelief. They played "Hail to the Chief" and it was for President Barack Hussein Obama. A man who was basically created by dust and was molded into a world leader. He is our 44th president of the USA.

Let's get it straight. I've ALWAYS been proud to be an American. Sometimes I wonder how come I am so grateful to be born into this great nation when there are others, who probably have were born with more gifts, talents, and have a higher aptitude but because they were born into famine, war, hopelessness, inadequate housing, education, health care, corruption, or neglected/thrown away by their family they'll never experience 10% of the chances I've been given.

In many parts of the world, a person's destiny is determined as soon as they occupy a womb. Obama proves that anyone can rise above their circumstances to GREATNESS in MY United States of America. That is the most brilliant part of the story to me. And, it really shows the healing that MY country has shown from some of the bruises we experienced, during many periods of growing pains through our history.

I wish I was able to join the 2+ million people who occupied the White House Mall area, but instead I went to work. I was definitely there in spirit! I didn't feel bad about missing it though. My career opportunities are a direct reflection of the same hard work that also allowed Obama to achieve this dream. I value my employer and my employment options in this country. My company has taken such great care of me. Going to work gives me a feeling of achievement similar to the one he experienced when he was voted into his position.

I was grateful, though, the during our meeting when we paused to watch the inauguration live. Even the haters of the group (who I still think are pretty cool people) wanted to see it and understood its impact. We all knew that this was one of those historical events that would be talked about and written about for years to come. Sometimes you don't know when they are going to happen, but when you do, it is such a sweet feeling.

Michelle Obama looked stunning. I am actually usually annoyed by all of the fashion talk that goes on, but I think she is the new Jackie O of fashion in the White House. I think Barack could see her First Lady potential when he met her, and he was 100% right. The girls were so darling.

I saw how she looked at him, overflowing with the pride, admiration and awe. It is the look that only comes from a person who really loves that person's soul. I'm sure it was the look she gave him when they were exchanging vows. And, to see a family that looks more like mine than most of my neighbors as the new Black Family standards, makes me want to sing Hallelujah!!

One of the things that really stood out for me was how orderly people in the crowd seem to be, and the hush that fell upon them when they took the microphone. It's hard to get the attention of 30 at a company event, much less 2+ million people. And, there was no major drama or disruptions. It was about as flawless of an event as you could imagine.

Today sent a powerful message to the world about our future, our hopes, and our dreams. If I had to choose which day was more meaningful to me, I'd still say it was Nov 5, 2008. I'll NEVER forget that day. It was like an out of body experience. I felt like I was levitating. Today, I'm a little more sober, but still have an Obama hangover.

Last night when I was doing Lindsey's hair she asked me to do it in red, white and blue. I was so proud of her, that she GETS IT!! Erin...she's a work in progress, but knows who Obama is and who Bush is (but doesn't know I can't stand that man!!). As far as they know, Bush was our 43rd president.

I won't bother talking about the ceremony. That is well covered and there will be access to that information, worldwide forever. This is just about what I thought and felt.

God Bless America, and we all need to congratulate ourselves.

Tracy

(Sorry if these are sometimes hard to read. I try to write them right off the top of my head to really capture how I was feeling at that moment.)

1 comment:

Mill's Doodle said...

I completely feel you Tracy on the impact of what God has allowed to be... the first African American President of the United States. Sometimes it still seems surreal to me.

Got your comment on our page.. thanks for leaving one! I will be more than happy to share my limited knowledge of the blogger stuff for your page. Thanks for introducing me to it... I am having a ball.. it is addicting. I need to get up and go to bed right now! LOL