Sober and Powerful Joy

A few sentiments I want to remember about the Inauguration:

• We craved community. Everyone wanted to be somewhere, with someone, among friends, family, neighbors, citizens. We didn't really care if we knew our fellow viewers, but we knew we didn't want to be alone.
  
  
• We cried from overpowering emotion. We cried for Bush and his failures, for the global and national crises we're facing. But also for hope, possibility, community and connection. We cried because someone who seems so balanced and intelligent took over from such ineptitude and raised the expectations for all of us to work harder and sacrifice more. We cried because he asked us to do what we want so badly to do - contribute, make our mark, and make the world a better place. The same emotions we experienced on September 11, 2001 reemerged, but in a different balance. Hope outweighed fear and anger.
  
  
• We witnessed profound, inspirational history. The history my generation knows: the Berlin Wall, OJ Simpson, and 9-11. This was so much better!
  
  
• It was more than a ceremony, more than a day. Reading the paper in the weeks ahead brought tears to our eyes. Reading the paper and listening to the radio the day after elicited the same emotions.
  

What a sober and profound joy to be alive in this unique moment in time.