The Inauguration

  

Almost three years ago, Colter and our good friend Matt Will were talking about this guy they had heard a lot about.  Who is this Barack Obama character?  

After the election we immediately began to make plans to attend his Inauguration.  I wrote to at least a half a dozen said ticket providers which led me on a wild goose chase that ultimately led no-where.  Who needs tickets anyway?  I mean, it would have been very nice however we were planning on going, ticket or null.   We managed to purchase tickets on the first train out to D.C., which was scheduled to leave at 5:16 am yes, A.M.   

3:45 am-woke up and proceeded to put on more layers than I have ever worn (we looked like the Michelin man times 5, or the kid from the Christmas story who couldn't put his arms down).  My snowboarding socks, hiking boots, silk long johns, leg warmers, pants, tank top, long-sleeve shirt, fleece, winter jacket, scarf, hat, two pairs of gloves.  Grabbed a water bottle and stuffed our pockets with as many Odwalla bars as we could hold.  

4:30 am-picked up Matt & Jen and drove to Penn Station to catch our 5:16 am train into D.C.  

6ish am-arrived at Union Station and proceeded to follow a sea of people to the National Mall where we would be watching the Inauguration and its events.  The city shut down just about all auto-traffic and closed down a four lane tunnel.  Volunteers were directing us while other folks were handing out freebies like buttons and vitamins.  All around there were masses of people.  Yet, everyone was cheerful, even giddy in anticipation.  

7ish am-we arrived at the mall, attempted to get as close as possible, which ended up impossible, as we participated in a thousand+ strong group of people all trying to push their way forward.  This was the only part where I thought it was possible that I could die.  So we backed up a bit to a more open spot and decided to stay there, no matter what.  Now, it was time to wait.  Time to wait for 4 hours in high teens temperature.  At one point I couldn't feel my toes.  The Hardy's (always prepared) brought hand and toe warmers to put inside your boots, and still, we were all freezing.  But it was worth it!  

11ish am-Aretha Franklin.  Need I say more?  

11:30 am-the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.  

Highlights: 

I spoke earlier of a collective anticipation.  It felt like we were all at church because on any other day these strangers would probably not even acknowledge our existence.  But this day, I saw only smiles, helpfulness, and a lot of people with a good sense of humor about the lines and masses of people.  

• First off, my really good friend Jesse Siess flew all the way from Palm Springs, CA to attend Inauguration with us!  I loved having her here even though her visit was much too brief (and cried a little when she left).  
• On the train to D.C. the bathroom door was broken (wouldn't stay shut).  So the people in line took turns holding the door shut for each other.  I don't know that on any other day I would have trusted a complete stranger with the task of saving me from utter embarrassment.  
• While walking through the tunnel to the National Mall it was very dark and I (being a short-legged person and trying to keep up with 4 long-legged people) looked down briefly to watch out for the many urban obstacles (sidewalks ending, street signs, trees, and feet), and NAILED a guy in front of me.  I mean nailed.  I mean full speed-walking force nailed this guy.  On any other day, I wouldn't have just received a "No worries".  I'm sure I would have heard much more than that.  After I recovered from the shock we had a good laugh.  
• I think you're supposed to keep your eyes closed during prayer, but during Rick Warren's prayer I was looking around and was humbled at what I saw: many people lifting their arms up to the lord, praying for this country and for our president.  There were tears.  There were Alleluias. There was swaying.  
• As the Obama family arrived, we heard this loud roaring, as if there was a helicopter hovering right above us, but there weren't any around.  I mean, we could feel the vibration in our chest and in the ground.  A neighboring person told us that this was in fact the roar of the crowd which extended back to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial echoing off of the buildings.  Incredible.  
• After President Obama was sworn in, there were embraces and tears and shouts of joy like I have never seen before (live).  
• Having the opportunity to take part of such a historic event.  I still sometimes cannot wrap my head around the magnitude of these few hours on American history.