.jpg)
The first song is one of Chicklet's fav songs... somehow it fits. The second song, well... it felt right.
I received a comment yesterday from someone I simply adore. I want to be just like her when I grow up. *giggles*
It was about President Barack Obama's inauguration... I think she expected there to be a post about it after my last rant. She and I were apparently both thinking about each other a lot that day.
I responded via e-mail that I wasn't sure I had been able to wrap my brain about my emotions and what it all meant... until I visited her post about that great day.
And this is what came out (well, the gist of it):
This was so much bigger than one country. This was a moment for every person who has been told "NO", whether because of race, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, religion (or lack thereof), manner of dress, ...
Mr Obama will be faced with many challenges. He inherits a great mess... but he understands that "NO" just isn't an answer, not an acceptable one.
I have hope, again.
Patriotism isn't measured by grand displays, but rather by pride in where we come from, remembrance of what we've been through and the resolve to keep walking forward on that journey. I hope all nations, all people have the freedom to take that journey.
WE are citizens of the world before anything else. We are all sisters and brothers. When we forget that? We forsake our humanity.
I hope we can all keep that in mind.
To borrow Mr Obama's words: "(...) all are equal , all are free , and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the entire proceedings live (and bawling with Starrlight,... thankfully we both had tissues aplenty). That evening, after picking up my daughter (the very smart and observant future head of the United Nations) from school, she and I watched the coverage of the parade and discussed her day. We had a celebratory diner and broke out a bottle of virgin sparkling apple cider to toast with.
A new day... another step on that journey.
Maybe this is what Cat meant when she gave me this...
Thanks doll, you rock.
It's exhausting at times, being raw and honest and putting it out there - but it's good to have the right to speak up. Of course, I am also thankful for the fact that I can be selective about what I chose to talk about. FREEDOM!!! WOOOOO!
I think I get to pass it on (I don't think there were rules...), so:
Dianne, this award's for you! Your honesty inspires me. Your passion and fire humble me.
