Witness to history and thoughts

15 years ago

I glad I am witness to history today. It has been an emotional and thought provoking event for me as I realize what I saw was not just the broken old barriers being trodden upon by those they used to hold back, but by the overriding joy and hope in the streets that we have not seen in this nation since the end of WWII. For this one thing I am grateful.

May we all stand along side our leaders and President Obama as our country forges ahead to regain sure and better footing.

"Pray for your leaders that it may go well with you."

The Apostle Paul

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

jazmynsmom
I was deeply touched as I watched the events of today unfold. So much symbolism and so many hopes! We each observe this through our own prisms.

I acknowledge the incomplete nature of my own prism, but several notes resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Your mileage may vary --- here's a partial list of what resonated with me:
- While I am understanding of a need for national prayer, I am grateful when we non-believers were acknowledged in the same breath as those of varying creeds in describing our nation.
- Steve and I cheered out loud when the comment about restoring science to its rightful place was made.
- Though I'm not a "believer," President Obama's choice of scripture was sublime! Let us now set aside childish things, indeed!
- When he mentioned the heroes in Arlington National Cemetery, Steve and I looked at one another and teared up. Steve's father, a veteran of three wars, who served in two branches of our military and was one of the last 50 uniformed military personnel airlifted out of Vietnam when Saigon fell, is buried there. This week, his mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's more than 15 years ago, entered hospice care. It is likely that we will be making a deeply personal visit to Arlington National Cemetery to bury his mother soon.
- Aretha Franklin, My Country 'tis of Thee... need I say more?
- His "tone" really works for me. I know I won't always agree with him, but he is setting a tone that makes me feel as though my objections, and the objections of others, can be discussed openly... without risking our "patriotism" in the process.
- I noticed so many classy gestures: The graciousness of the Bushes; The dinner honoring Senator McCain; Michelle Obama's thoughtful gift to Laura Bush... so many little
  
  touches...
Visiting foreign websites like www.lemonde.com was interesting today. It reminded me of the many political conversations I had with the denizens of Paris and Nice when Steve and I were there just after our election. Again, I didn't always agree with everything that was said, but I feel like recent changes are conducive meaningful communications on a global level.

I also feel personally accountable to come up with a meaningful response to the President's call for service. The monetary donations we've been making are nice, but I feel like I need to find a venue to invest time and presence. I'll work out an answer to this in the next month.

Lest any of you mistake my words for partisan rhetoric, let me just say that the last time I felt a personal call to action by the words of our President was in 1973... er, sort of:
As my aunt tells it, it was winter and she was bundling up a three-year-old me to go outside. My winter coat had a belt with a buckle. She hastily tied my belt around my waist and I squealed in objection "No, no, no, Aunt Peggy! Not like that!"

"Like what? What's wrong?"

Untying the knot and threading the belt through the buckle I emphatically...
jazmynsmom
I was deeply touched as I watched the events of today unfold. So much symbolism and so many hopes! We each observe this through our own prisms.

I acknowledge the incomplete nature of my own prism, but several notes resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Your mileage may vary --- here's a partial list of what resonated with me:
- While I am understanding of a need for national prayer, I am grateful when we non-believers were acknowledged in the same breath as those of varying creeds in describing our nation.
- Steve and I cheered out loud when the comment about restoring science to its rightful place was made.
- Though I'm not a "believer," President Obama's choice of scripture was sublime! Let us now set aside childish things, indeed!
- When he mentioned the heroes in Arlington National Cemetery, Steve and I looked at one another and teared up. Steve's father, a veteran of three wars, who served in two branches of our military and was one of the last 50 uniformed military personnel airlifted out of Vietnam when Saigon fell, is buried there. This week, his mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's more than 15 years ago, entered hospice care. It is likely that we will be making a deeply personal visit to Arlington National Cemetery to bury his mother soon.
- Aretha Franklin, My Country 'tis of Thee... need I say more?
- His "tone" really works for me. I know I won't always agree with him, but he is setting a tone that makes me feel as though my objections, and the objections of others, can be discussed openly... without risking our "patriotism" in the process.
- I noticed so many classy gestures: The graciousness of the Bushes; The dinner honoring Senator McCain; Michelle Obama's thoughtful gift to Laura Bush... so many little
  
  touches...
Visiting foreign websites like www.lemonde.com was interesting today. It reminded me of the many political conversations I had with the denizens of Paris and Nice when Steve and I were there just after our election. Again, I didn't always agree with everything that was said, but I feel like recent changes are conducive meaningful communications on a global level.

I also feel personally accountable to come up with a meaningful response to the President's call for service. The monetary donations we've been making are nice, but I feel like I need to find a venue to invest time and presence. I'll work out an answer to this in the next month.

Lest any of you mistake my words for partisan rhetoric, let me just say that the last time I felt a personal call to action by the words of our President was in 1973... er, sort of:
As my aunt tells it, it was winter and she was bundling up a three-year-old me to go outside. My winter coat had a belt with a buckle. She hastily tied my belt around my waist and I squealed in objection "No, no, no, Aunt Peggy! Not like that!"

"Like what? What's wrong?"

Untying the knot and threading the belt through the buckle I emphatically...
Related Discussions
Help! My blueberry bushes are dying and I am at my wits end.
Q
Comments (2)
Wonder if you ever found out the problem with your blueberries. It might be that the location may be too hot. I find that part shade [dappled] to full shade seems to work the best for the blueberries. Blueberry leaves will fry in the full sun here in our desert climate. Make sure that they are planted in very composted and acid type soil. Water several times a week. I also provide overhead spray for humidity.
...See More
mtps is history...wonderful history
Q
Comments (11)
It *was* a great swap. :-) I had many plants to put in the ground on Sunday! And those lovely ginger lilies -- oh my gosh, what great plants! I have one blooming in the house right now. I plan to give one of them to my mom-in-law -- she will love it in her new solarium. Thanks so much to Renee and Jan for their hard work. I thought the program was excellent and showed a lot of hard work had gone into it. Really great. And to all my Garden web buddies who made it -- thank you for the plants, the great food, and most of all, the fellowship. :-) I'll be back next spring, no doubt trying to unload all the plants I neglected to dig up before the Fall swap. With that, I would just like to close with a few things: Pat -- The Chaste tree is Vitex Agnus Castus. :-) Lessons Learned: * Not bringing the hubby's new truck == VERY good thing. As it was I looked like a florist driving back to Madison in my poor little Honda :-) * You can NOT trust Brug fanatics alone with your bundles. When I got home, every bag I unloaded had little sticks tucked in them by the Brug fairy! LOL * The best part of the swap is the amazing, friendly people (but this wasn't something new I learned -- I already knew that. ) Bless you all! Photos from the UK trip will be coming soon, I promise.
...See More
Some Thanksgiving History
Q
Comments (3)
A story atleast some of you will appreciate: A Thanksgiving Story By Andréa Nannette Mejia It was the day before Thanksgiving - the first one my three children and I would be spending without their father, who had left several months before. Now the two older children were very sick with the flu, and the eldest had just been prescribed bed rest for a week. It was a cool, gray day outside, and a light rain was falling. I grew wearier as I scurried around, trying to care for each child: thermometers, juice, diapers. And I was fast running out of liquids for the children. But when I checked my purse, all I found was about $2.50 - and this was supposed to last me until the end of the month. That's when I heard the phone ring. It was the secretary from our former church, and she told me that they had been thinking about us and had something to give us from the congregation. I told her that I was going out to pick up some more juice and soup for the children, and I would drop by the church on my way to the market. I arrived at the church just before lunch. The church secretary met me at the door and handed me a special gift envelope. "We think of you and the kids often," she said, "and you are in our hearts and prayers. We love you." When I opened the envelope, I found two grocery certificates inside. Each was worth $20. I was so touched and moved, I broke down and cried. "Thank you very much," I said, as we hugged each other. "Please give our love and thanks to the church." Then I drove to a store near our home and purchased some much-needed items for the children. At the check-out counter I had a little over $14.00 worth of groceries, and I handed the cashier one of the gift certificates. She took it, then turned her back for what seemed like a very long time. I thought something might be wrong. Finally I said, "This gift certificate is a real blessing. Our former church gave it to our family, knowing I'm a single parent trying to make ends meet." The cashier then turned around, with tears in her loving eyes, and replied, "Honey, that's wonderful! Do you have a turkey?" "No. It's okay because my children are sick anyway." She then asked, "Do you have anything else for Thanksgiving dinner?" Again I replied, "No." After handing me the change from the certificate, she looked at my face and said, "Honey, I can't tell you exactly why right now, but I want you to go back into the store and buy a turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie or anything else you need for a Thanksgiving dinner." I was shocked, and humbled to tears. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes! Get whatever you want. And get some Gatorade for the kids." I felt awkward as I went back to do more shopping, but I selected a fresh turkey, a few yams and potatoes, and some juices for the children. Then I wheeled the shopping cart up to the same cashier as before. As I placed my groceries on the counter, she looked at me once more with giant tears in her kind eyes and began to speak. "Now I can tell you. This morning I prayed that I could help someone today, and you walked through my line." She reached under the counter for her purse and took out a $20 bill. She paid for my groceries and then handed me the change. Once more I was moved to tears. The sweet cashier then said, "I am a Christian. Here is my phone number if you ever need anything." She then took my head in her hands, kissed my cheek and said, "God bless you, honey." As I walked to my car, I was overwhelmed by this stranger's love and by the realization that God loves my family too, and shows us his love through this stranger's and my church's kind deeds. The children were supposed to have spent Thanksgiving with their father that year, but because of the flu they were home with me, for a very special Thanksgiving Day. They were feeling better, and we all ate the goodness of the Lord's bounty - and our community's love. Our hearts were truly filled with thanks.
...See More
Witness Protection Program
Q
Comments (59)
Sheesh - see Linelle's post above: I've been thinking about this. Normally I'm not in favor of name changes, either on boards or IRL. Just for the sake of changing a name. However, I've been sort of silly and used my real name which is not common. I understand that you don't approve of people changing their names, and I understand your points about why you'd prefer people not do it. Still, it's an option we do have here, and I don't personally see anything wrong with taking advantage of it if one so desires.
...See More
jazmynsmom
I was deeply touched as I watched the events of today unfold. So much symbolism and so many hopes! We each observe this through our own prisms.

I acknowledge the incomplete nature of my own prism, but several notes resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Your mileage may vary --- here's a partial list of what resonated with me:
- While I am understanding of a need for national prayer, I am grateful when we non-believers were acknowledged in the same breath as those of varying creeds in describing our nation.
- Steve and I cheered out loud when the comment about restoring science to its rightful place was made.
- Though I'm not a "believer," President Obama's choice of scripture was sublime! Let us now set aside childish things, indeed!
- When he mentioned the heroes in Arlington National Cemetery, Steve and I looked at one another and teared up. Steve's father, a veteran of three wars, who served in two branches of our military and was one of the last 50 uniformed military personnel airlifted out of Vietnam when Saigon fell, is buried there. This week, his mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's more than 15 years ago, entered hospice care. It is likely that we will be making a deeply personal visit to Arlington National Cemetery to bury his mother soon.
- Aretha Franklin, My Country 'tis of Thee... need I say more?
- His "tone" really works for me. I know I won't always agree with him, but he is setting a tone that makes me feel as though my objections, and the objections of others, can be discussed openly... without risking our "patriotism" in the process.
- I noticed so many classy gestures: The graciousness of the Bushes; The dinner honoring Senator McCain; Michelle Obama's thoughtful gift to Laura Bush... so many little
  
  touches...
Visiting foreign websites like www.lemonde.com was interesting today. It reminded me of the many political conversations I had with the denizens of Paris and Nice when Steve and I were there just after our election. Again, I didn't always agree with everything that was said, but I feel like recent changes are conducive meaningful communications on a global level.

I also feel personally accountable to come up with a meaningful response to the President's call for service. The monetary donations we've been making are nice, but I feel like I need to find a venue to invest time and presence. I'll work out an answer to this in the next month.

Lest any of you mistake my words for partisan rhetoric, let me just say that the last time I felt a personal call to action by the words of our President was in 1973... er, sort of:
As my aunt tells it, it was winter and she was bundling up a three-year-old me to go outside. My winter coat had a belt with a buckle. She hastily tied my belt around my waist and I squealed in objection "No, no, no, Aunt Peggy! Not like that!"

"Like what? What's wrong?"

Untying the knot and threading the belt through the buckle I emphatically...
jazmynsmom
I was deeply touched as I watched the events of today unfold. So much symbolism and so many hopes! We each observe this through our own prisms.

I acknowledge the incomplete nature of my own prism, but several notes resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Your mileage may vary --- here's a partial list of what resonated with me:
- While I am understanding of a need for national prayer, I am grateful when we non-believers were acknowledged in the same breath as those of varying creeds in describing our nation.
- Steve and I cheered out loud when the comment about restoring science to its rightful place was made.
- Though I'm not a "believer," President Obama's choice of scripture was sublime! Let us now set aside childish things, indeed!
- When he mentioned the heroes in Arlington National Cemetery, Steve and I looked at one another and teared up. Steve's father, a veteran of three wars, who served in two branches of our military and was one of the last 50 uniformed military personnel airlifted out of Vietnam when Saigon fell, is buried there. This week, his mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's more than 15 years ago, entered hospice care. It is likely that we will be making a deeply personal visit to Arlington National Cemetery to bury his mother soon.
- Aretha Franklin, My Country 'tis of Thee... need I say more?
- His "tone" really works for me. I know I won't always agree with him, but he is setting a tone that makes me feel as though my objections, and the objections of others, can be discussed openly... without risking our "patriotism" in the process.
- I noticed so many classy gestures: The graciousness of the Bushes; The dinner honoring Senator McCain; Michelle Obama's thoughtful gift to Laura Bush... so many little
  
  touches...
Visiting foreign websites like www.lemonde.com was interesting today. It reminded me of the many political conversations I had with the denizens of Paris and Nice when Steve and I were there just after our election. Again, I didn't always agree with everything that was said, but I feel like recent changes are conducive meaningful communications on a global level.

I also feel personally accountable to come up with a meaningful response to the President's call for service. The monetary donations we've been making are nice, but I feel like I need to find a venue to invest time and presence. I'll work out an answer to this in the next month.

Lest any of you mistake my words for partisan rhetoric, let me just say that the last time I felt a personal call to action by the words of our President was in 1973... er, sort of:
As my aunt tells it, it was winter and she was bundling up a three-year-old me to go outside. My winter coat had a belt with a buckle. She hastily tied my belt around my waist and I squealed in objection "No, no, no, Aunt Peggy! Not like that!"

"Like what? What's wrong?"

Untying the knot and threading the belt through the buckle I emphatically...
blueheron
15 years ago
All I can say is, "IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?"
lilod
15 years ago
Such a large crowd, and so well behaved...so much joy!
And my BS detector didn't find any BS -
kris_zone6
15 years ago
Amen.
andie_rathbone
15 years ago
It's been a great day!! Only in America!
oscarthecat
15 years ago
Such kind and thoughtful response. But what would I expect from such a kind and thoughtful forum. Thank You. Steve in Baltimore County
rob333 (zone 7b)
15 years ago
I don't know if it is coincidence or if I am just an American. I am rebuilding. I am setting aside that which did not work. I am broken but ready to soar. This is a new age, my new age, America's new age. And Obama embodies and expresses all of that! He transcends all the muck and mire. He wants change not for changes' sake, but for what we hope. He represents hope. I need hope, now more than ever. It's so vital for hope to be restored. America needs what it is he has, and regardless of heritage, but more because of his vision. His voice needs to continue to reach out for the common good, and I have faith it will.
mjmercer
15 years ago
Yesterday MSNBC reported that, out of the TWO MILLION visitors to DC, there was not a single arrest.

THAT? Is a flipping miracle. And yay us! :o)

Karen
instar8
15 years ago
Sniff! Sniffle...

Even a hard-ass like me had to get misty...i really do love my country, though it's caused me a lot of pain in recent memory.

I have felt so proud to see such focus on the principles that made us strong. It's like watching the rebellious prodigal child finally find her way.

Makes me wanna put on a feast...I'm thawing a home-raised chicken...not exactly a fatted calf, but great with some stored potatoes and frozen garden beans...V for Victory Garden!
mawheel
15 years ago
I get misty-eyed when I read about yesterday's events. Americans are far from perfect, but I'm sure glad I am one! I hope and pray we'll all give President Obama a chance--more than that, that we'll all do our part, no matter how small, to get our country going, again.
newgardenelf
15 years ago
What lovely posts.

I enjoyed it all. My most memorable moment was when the Obamas and Bidens walked the Bushs to the helicopter and it seemed that there was genuine affection for one another and laughter. In that moment my disappointments and anger toward President Bush faded and was replaced by Obama's smile. (I felt myself turn from the old to the new with my head held high.) That smile melts.

My second was on one of the news channels. A young African American girl attended with her grandfather. She ran up to the camera and he side stepped. She pulled him onto the camera and excitedly introduced him "This is my grandfather, he is a judge, he has fought for civil rights his whole life." She was beaming with pride for him and he seemed quite meek and small next to her large personality. As he spoke he began to cry about what this day meant to him. Seeing those two side by side- the sharp contrast- makes me cry even now. You can barely contain yourself from reciting the I Have a Dream speech. As a parent my greatest hopes are that the lives of my children are better than my own- I feel like that is possible again.
mwoods
15 years ago
I don't think any of us who voted for Obama went into this thinking he was going to solve the problems of the world. But I think we are all hopeful that someone has been elected who listens,weighs things out,and doesn't have an ego so large he isn't able to change his mind. I trust him and I haven't been able to feel that way for a long long time. Of all the photos that I've seen from the primaries down to the inauguration,this one has touched me the most and just simply says it all as far as I'm concerned.I'm so thankful to be here and witnessed what occured on the 20th.

{{gwi:168249}}
husky004_
15 years ago
Well got to hear first hand all about it from my boss who made the trip with his wife and two young children, 8 and 10. They came prepared for the crowds and had no problems...said everyone was so patient and friendly through it all. But as far as the helicopter ride for President Bush, boss said his young son was watching and he was explaining how it was his last farewell and his son looked at him and said then "How come is everyone so angry?" As my boss looked up he saw the crowd giving President Bush the final one finger salute and singing Na..Na..Na..Goodbye...so it was another explanation to his young son...who explained it's ok Dad I see it sometimes on the school bus lol.
calliope
15 years ago
I find it very sad for any group of adult people to display that sort of vulgarity to any person, if for no other reason than respect for the office they held.

Witness to history and thoughts

Comments (17)

jazmynsmom

jazmynsmom

Related Discussions

jazmynsmom

jazmynsmom

blueheron

lilod

kris_zone6

andie_rathbone

oscarthecat

rob333 (zone 7b)

mjmercer

instar8

mawheel

newgardenelf

mwoods

husky004_

calliope

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US