"Uncle Bama's" Inaugaration

That's what Maxwell calls our new president. I'm not sure how Barack translates to uncle, but I think it's cute nonetheless. In his prayer at the dinner table tonight, Max not only blessed the chicken nuggets he said "thanks for our new president and that he's in charge." We really don't indoctrinate our kids with politics, but I guess he's picked-up a little of my excitement.

Living so close to D.C. I had to take advantage of the opportunity to join a couple of million others on the Washington Mall to witness the historical swearing-in of President Obama. I wanted to be able to tell my children and my grandchildren that I was there. Thanks to my wonderful husband for watching the kids, I got up early and headed downtown via bus with several good friends. We arrived just before 8am and stood in the crowd for several (very) cold hours. Everyone was in a celebratory mood. People talked to strangers like they had been neighbors all their lives. We laughed and danced with the crowds to keep warm as the jumbo screens replayed Sunday's Inaugaration concert. I've never loved U2's Bono as much as I did right there on the Mall as I sang my heart out to his "in the name of love, once more in the name of love."
Every time the jumbo screen showed a shot of a member of the Obama family loud cheers would erupt from the jubilant crowd.

I was particularly moved by Pres. Obama's solemnity as he walked the halls of the capitol building and entered the Inauguration platform. I felt I could read in his expression the awesome responsibility of the presidency and the solemnity of this historical moment. As President-elect Obama was being sworn in, I couldn't help but feel he was the leader chosen for this particular time. Though I may not agree with everything in his platform I am hopeful that his presidency will unite our nation, restore global relations and generate the hope and optimism that is needed to get us through the challenging times ahead. That feeling was palpable among the crowd along the Mall. As soon as Pres. Obama said the last words of the oath of office there was a huge eruption of cheers from two million of us gathered along the Mall in the freezing cold.

There is much I could say about Pres. Obama's speech, but I think it is best summed up by the word "patriotic." As I looked out at the sea of mostly black faces and waving flags I was moved by the gravity of the moment. America has had a troubled past. Not all of her inhabitants have enjoyed freedom. There is still much to overcome in providing freedom and justice for all, but standing there on the Mall, listening to President Obama's speech I felt the patriotism of all those around me, black and white. We who had elected a first world country's first black president. It felt good, it felt hopeful, it felt unified. The American dream is possible and I'm glad I will have this moment to share with my grandchildren. It was an awesome experience and one I will always remember and be thankful for. God Bless America!

Bundled up on the Mall with friends Gety, yours truly, Yolande and Regina

Behind us was the Washington Monument. For those of you familiar with the Mall this gives you an idea of our orientation on the Mall. We stood next to the Smithsonian Castle and made a quick exit after Obama's speech. We were able to catch one of the first buses back to Virginia and we were home within 15min! Way to plan for us Yolande!





If you look close you can see the US Capitol where the Inaugaration is taking place. We were about 3/4 of a mile from the Capitol steps. Dem dar's a whole lotta people.

What's that? Heavenly visitations you say? Naw, just Yolande and I enjoying a piece of sunshine in front of the Smithsonian Castle.

Yolande's husband, Koffi is standing in the background looking absolutely thrilled to be attending the Inaugaration with four stunning women.

Gety is one of my dearest friends and I'm glad I got to share this historical moment with her, even if we never could track down the people who were handing out flags!