The Beauty of January 20th

I am overwhelmed this morning. Despite my expensive and substantial education, words fail me. This happens so rarely -- the last time it happened was election night. I wish that I could put into words the emotion that is running through my head and my heart, but sadly, I cannot think of words beautiful or significant enough to do so. I can sing, but I cannot find the right note. I can paint, but I cannot find a canvas worthy of it. It's an incredibly frustrating feeling -- not being able to express this emotion.

What started as an improbable dream has come to fruition. Election night found me vacillating between being amazed and dissolved in tears. Sunday's concert at Lincoln's memorial was an expression of song and a gathering of talents that found me wanting it to never end (what a concert and history lesson rolled into one!) And on this gloriously sunny, crisp morning, I am again vacillating. But of two things I am sure: I am so proud to be an American, and I am so happy to be alive.

I am not expecting miracles from our new President. No one I know is expecting him to wave a wand and banish our problems to the past. But it is the start of a new era. And I (and others) will expect our new President to bring accountability, responsibility, selflessness, and kindness back to our country. I am confident that this will repair and further strenghten our Union.

When I reflect on our great nation's history, I cannot help but land on thoughts of those disenfranchised forefathers (and mothers). What those people went through, and here we are today. I cannot help but recall that not long ago, only a few years before my birth, this country was a very different place. The life I have enjoyed wouldn't have been possible. The experiences I've been so blessed and privileged to enjoy -- had I been born at a different time -- well, I likely wouldn't have any of it. It's almost as though the America I've enjoyed and loved is now available to all.

It's amazing to witness history. Too often in my life, we've suffered through tragic historic moments. It's so amazing to get to enjoy a historic moment of beauty.