The new mantel is coming together with our new painting of the White House, a beautiful Christmas gift from Grandmommy and Granddaddy
Dear Sara and Kelly,
I hope and pray that the inauguration we watched this morning is a turning point in the history of our Country. I hope that decades from now as you study this day in American History class, you will come to me and ask, “Mommy, what were we doing the day President Obama took Office?”
And I will tell you this: we stayed home in our pj’s all morning (wait, you’ll ask, how was that different from any other non-school morning?….shush, keep reading), because I didn’t want to miss it. I didn’t want to be running errands and have no memory of this day. So as you two played and chattered non-stop at my feet (swollen with bruises from an accident involving an art easel and a potty chair…long story), I sat on the couch, glued to the television, telling you stories of our great Nation, while sewing the head back on Lucy, Sara’s doll. She was decapitated shortly after the New Year and sewing her head back on could only be done by the BEST of Mommy Doll Surgeons, yours truly, Dr. Mommy.
You both took turns giving me quizzical looks as I teared up. You stopped to clap when I clapped. You cheered when I cheered. Because what we just witnessed is what makes America great. We vote, and then we move on. We come together. We bow our heads in prayer, and respect those who do not. Because America is freedom OF religion not freedom FROM religion. We join hands to respectfully watch our new Leader start on a new journey with us. It no longer matters for whom you cast your vote, it only matters now that we pray for his wisdom. It’s our ability to set aside differences and love this Nation more than our own opinions, that makes us who we are.
I am overwhelmed by how proud I am to be an American on days such as this one. To watch thousands safely gather and cheer for our Country; to watch an entire culture get a new lease on life and on hope; to know that within my lifetime I saw an African American become President, which means at least something on my generation’s checklist got completed; to really believe that our Nation will rise up and overcome the challenges we face: because it’s in our blood as Americans, because we’ve faced worse, because We…Are…Americans, and THIS is what we do. We do what we must do for our country, placing it above our personal wishes. And in so doing, we prosper and stand as a light to the rest of the world.
I could never be as eloquent as the speeches I witnessed this morning. I cannot put into words the prayers I have for this man who did not get my vote. I only know these are extraordinary times and they call for measures greater than politics, and greater than party platforms. I did say to Greg the other night (with my eternal optimism), “Do you suppose this recession, please God don’t less us slip into a depression (a new daily chant), will make us into our grandparents? Because that would be AWESOME.” Greg replied, “I hope so. That would be indeed be awesome.”
Sara, as Yo Yo Ma began to play, you turned to me and said, “Somebody brought instruments. What a good idea!” Then, you two finally had a moment of quiet as the National Anthem was sung. Sara, you stood on a chair and put both hands over your heart. Kelly, you rested your head on my heart, the best of all feelings. To my readers outside of the US, I wish you could have been sharing a cup of coffee with me, telling me your thoughts on the day (feel free to leave a comment and let me know). To my readers in the US, please leave a comment to tell me where you were during this most amazing morning.
4 responses to ““Mommy, Where Were We When…?””
What a sweet story – we’ll definitely always remember this day!
I was watching this great day with K and 1st graders. They didn’t understand what they were watching, but hopefully one day when they understand and be able to say I was in gym during 1st grade when I say the first African American sworn into office. I just remember the goosebumps I had as watched this day unfold. By the way W. C. and Harriet went to watch it.
My father, your Grandfather was part of the Greatest generation. Since I lost mom, I have had many many long conversations with him regarding what it was like growing up during the depression. What it was like going to war at the age of 18 and fighting for your country as a teenager. You are right, most of us have no idea what these people did and the character of these people. I have learned more about this generation, and this man, in the last 3 years then I have my whole life. I have learned the strength, dignity and character of my father and his generation. I too pray for our President and it is time for all to put needs of SELF aside and think about the whole. We have a long way to go to begin to have the strength of the Greatest Generation, but I feel in my heart we can do it as long as we have a few people around, like my father to set the example. Love Mom
Lori- What a great way to spend the day! All the parents in Bryce’s preschool were invited to watch in their classroom with them. The kids really did not understand what they were watching, but I can just hope that maybe Bryce will have a small memory of the day. If not I can always tell him about today.