The Obama Inauguration

On election night back in November, I kicked myself as I watched people celebrating the election results in places like Times Square and Harlem. Why hadn't I thought to go to one of those places and be a part of the explosion? I watched Obama's speech in Chicago via cnn.com and while moved, felt disappointed. I wanted more - I wanted to be a part of it.

And this past Tuesday, I was. Thanks to some lovely friends who let us stay at their place (and passed up their chance to make thousands of dollars by renting out the space to desperate, last-minute tourists), Oliver and I were able to join in the insanity that was the inauguration.

The crowds were beyond description, the weather was freezing, and at least three times in the morning I became convinced we would never make it. We made it though, to a nice spot just east of the Washington Monument with Jumbo Tron access and great neighbors. Behind us, a group of older women from New Orleans. To our right, a woman from Chicago. To our left, college students from North Carolina. In front of us, an older gentleman with tears running down his cheeks. We all screamed and cheered at various points (except of course, for a certain German in the audience who would only grimly nod his approval), and chattered excitedly with each other.

This is exactly why I wanted to be there. I knew I had no shot of actually seeing Obama. And who cares anyhow, if I had? The day was about him of course, but it was really more about all the rest of us. The Obama administration will not be all things to all people. There will be disappointments, possibly scandals, and maybe disillusion. That all comes later; on Tuesday I stood in the middle of a giant mass of people who believed. Gol, it feels good to believe. Even if it's only for a moment.

It's the same reason I always cry at weddings. Always. Weddings are this celebration of all the best things that are possible. Bride and groom will love each other unconditionally and eternally. They'll build a happy family and live life in a golden haze. No fight will ever be fought alone.
Things don't always end up that way, but that's not what the wedding is about. The wedding is about the possibilities. The possibilities make us buy new dresses, cry when vows are exchanged, and drink and dance giddily.

And hey, who doesn't like to drink and dance giddily?

Did I mention it was cold? The kind of cold where exposed skin loses its elasticity and you end up slurring your words? Thank goodness for scarves.




Did I also mention that the crowds were insane? I took this photo as we walked toward the mall. There was an endless sea of people both in front of us and behind us. Unbelievable.