Inauguration Thoughts

On Tuesday, the kids and I got our school work done in a timely fashion and gathered about the television to watch the Inauguration of our 44th President. I don't think I have seen an inauguration in years. If I did, it didn't make a lasting impression on me. But I have a friend who impressed upon me how significant it was that we live in a country where the change of power occurs without a shot fired. And of course, there was the special significance of this being the first African American President.

I am glad we watched. I was just about moved to tears when President Bush walked in for the last time to the tune "Hail to the Chief". He had a rough presidency with not anywhere near the support he should have had for the tough decisions he had to make. As he walked in, I couldn't help but imagine that his step was a little bit lighter...his time was done and he could head back to Texas and his ranch and to a life where he was in more in control of his life and din't have the weight of the world on his shoulders.

I felt sorry for President Obama that his swearing in got botched. At first I thought it was nerves (and heaven knows, I would have been nervous), but then to find out that Chief Justice Roberts goofed.... However, I did not find this misstep to deflect from the importance of the moment (though it did remind me of when I graduated from high school and the principal messed up the reading of my name!)

President Obama gave a good speech and exuded confidence and hope. The music that John Williams wrote was awesome! Aretha Franklin had on quite a hat! And the packed mall was an amazing thing to see.

I found it moving when President and First Lady Obama walked President and Mrs. Bush to the helicopter. The commentators made the remark that it seemed the two had grown close in the preceeding weeks as evidenced by the heartfelt hugs that were being passed around.

All in all, it was an hour and a half well spent. It was an excellent reminder of what living in a free country means.