President Obama’s Inauguration

This morning I woke up and my first thought was “Obama becomes President today.” It was while listening to NPR that the butterflies began to flutter in my stomach. People were beginning to file into the mall, thousands and thousands of people, bundled in their coats, scarfs and hats against the bitter cold, which could not deter them from being part of this historic event. I literally couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. My excitement increased over the course of the morning. At work, I immediately pulled up CNN on the computer and streamed the events live. Working was no match for the magic of watching the Obamas arrive at the White House for coffee with the Bushes, Michelle looking beautiful and sophicated in her yellow dress.

At 11:30am I joined Mr. Man at his office to watch the inauguration on two large screens in the Macro conference room. There must have been 75 people gathered to watch Mr. Obama take the oath of office. There was a lot of chatter though the arrival of the Bushes, “oh’s and ah’s” when Milia and Sasha joined their parents on the walk to the stage, laughter at Rev. Lowery’s prayer closing...

“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.”

...and silence as Mr. Obama stood to place his hand on Lincoln’s bible and swore to protect and defend the Constitution—that tattered and torn document that George Bush and Dick Cheney so willingly stepped on— this was, of course, followed by lots of cheers and whistles, and a few tears. He had our full attention as he gave his speech, with people nodding their heads and clapping their hands. Rapt as we listened with hope and trust to this man in whom we believe. A new day is dawning for America and I am glad to be alive to witness it.