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Jan. 20
When Barack Obama raised his hand, he lifted a nation.
I’ve heard it before, but never completely understood what it meant until today.
There’s just something about Barack Obama that gives you hope. Call it charisma, call it trust, call it whatever you want, but I call it relate-ability.
He seems like the kind of guy you’d just get along with.
He reminds me of my dad. Of my grandpa. Of my high school principal, of my uncle, of my pastor, of someone you’d spend a day talking to and wonder where all the time went.
Today, I heard Barack Obama address the nation as our new president. Today, I was tired, freezing and irritable, but when President Obama began speaking, nothing else mattered.
I couldn’t see the Capitol. I couldn’t see the Jumbo-Tron screen. I could see nothing but the back of people’s heads and the ground. I was mad because people kept pushing me, cutting in front of me and cursing at me for standing in front of them. The crowds had destroyed fences and were climbing on historical monuments. I couldn’t feel my feet, my nose wouldn’t stop running and people who had walked through the gates forty minutes ago were now standing next to those of us who had woken up at 4 a.m.
None of it mattered.
With my vision impaired and my nerves numb, I began to listen to the message of our President. And my eyes began to tear. My heart lifted. I felt passion, pride, exhilaration and awe at the emotions evoked from myself and all those around me as we listened.
We clapped. We cheered. We hugged.
We were one. One body composed of millions, all united to rejoice at the incredible emotions that enveloped us as we listened to the Inauguration address of our President.
Barack Obama raised his hand, and lifted a nation.
I made friends today. Those around me who had cut in front of me and blocked my view of the screen became my allies as I watched them cry, watched them rejoice and smile as we all shivered in the cold.
It lasted an instant, but I will remember it for a lifetime.
Today was filled with so many emotions: excitement, anger, exhilaration, frustration, fear, elation and appreciation. I know this from talking with my friends. But I also know that we all shared these feelings today. I ended the day feeling connected to millions of people I had never met, will never speak with, will never see again.
We were one. And I will not forget.
Jan. 19
The countdown has officially begun.
Less than one day remains until the moment our country encounters an incredible change. While I’ve been looking forward to this day for months, I have to admit that I’m not quite ready yet.
The Opening Ceremony was a test run. I’ve been exposed to the elements and the crowds for five hours in preparation for witnessing a historic event. It was cold. It was long. It made me hungry, tired, thirsty and desperate for a warm blanket.
But despite all that, it was worth it.
I’m not ready to stand outside in freezing, breezy temperatures. I’m not too thrilled to be pushed and prodded by millions of other Americans all awaiting the Inauguration. I’m not too happy about waking up at 4 a.m. and trekking across town in the dark.
But there is one thing I am excited for.
Witnessing and becoming a part of history.
All over D.C., millions are flooding into the city for this one unifying goal. Today as we prepared for the Inauguration, a few of us braved the streets and witnessed the alteration of our two-week home away from home. The Metro was crowded, and security increased tenfold. Hired workers informed citizens where, how and when to walk. Confused tourists crowded around Metro entrances and wondered how to purchase a ride. Sidewalks were full of people pulling suitcases, waiting for buses and buying Obama souvenirs from more-than-willing vendors.
The city has prepared for great change.
The only thing I can do is bundle up and prepare for the ride.
Jan. 18
I’ve crossed off nearly everything on my Bucket List.
I’ve been to a concert with Garth Brooks, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, U2, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Usher, Aretha Franklin and Josh Groban.
I’ve seen Barack and Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, Steve Carell, Jack Black, Jamie Foxx, Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, Ashley Judd, Samuel L. Jackson, Forrest Whitaker, Denzel Washington and George Lopez in person.
And I checked them all off my list today.
Despite the 32 degree weather and imposing crowds, we all trooped to the Lincoln Memorial for a concert of a lifetime: the Opening Ceremony for the Inauguration.
With the Metro flooded and people pouring in continuously to the National Mall until the concert began at 2 p.m., I had my doubts about this experience. First of all, we made several rookie mistakes.
We didn’t bring a blanket to mark off our territory. People kept creeping closer and closer to us, with several even attempting to stand nearly on my toes and encroaching on our area with their blankets. Whenever we stood up to stretch out our legs, people would slide into the inches of space we vacated. In one particular instance, a man spread out a blanket only one inch away from me, told his child to quickly sit down, and then encouraged him to ask me to please scoot over.
We underestimated the power of cold feet. A classic mistake common throughout our group was wearing only one pair of socks. While I wore two, I found that even to be too few. There’s nothing worse than standing outdoors for five hours with frozen toes. In fact, I don’t even think my feet have warmed up yet.
