Witnessing the Unbelievable

The monuments along the National Mall seemed to be bigger and brighter during Inauguration Week. As a matter of fact, everything in D.C. shone brighter. I’ve spent a lot of time in the city over the years – I lived there for a decade and visit often. I’ve also spent untold hours in the mall area at the monuments and the museums. However, I must say…this last week was different…dare I say special!

There was a buzz everywhere—people of all ages and races were excited about our new President—Barack Obama. I first noticed the buzz at Ontario Airport. It followed me to Denver and Newark Airports. It was also with me on a train from Newark to D.C. There was joy on the faces of the many travelers going to D.C. for the Inauguration. Complete strangers spoke of their excitement at witnessing history. And…when my daughter and I arrived at Union Station in D.C., the halls were ablaze with decorations and travelers from all over the country. Walking out of the door and seeing the lit Capitol Dome was a sight I will never forget.

The buzz continued the next few days through parties, presentations, concerts, dances, and the main event itself. Everywhere there was pride, joy, and hope. And, in one of the most surprising statistics I have ever heard….with over two million on the mall on Inauguration Day….there were ZERO arrests!

One of the most precious parts of my journey was traveling with my ten-year-old daughter and being with her as we witnessed history. In addition to the ceremonies, I will never forget our visit to the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. There were three exhibits where my emotions got the best of me and I ‘lost it.’

The first was the slavery exhibit…seeing pictures of black men with lashes brought it home for me. The second was the Nelson Mandela exhibit, and I was glad that he lived to see this after all he endured. Finally, we visited the ‘First Lady Ball Gowns’ section and at the end there are photographs of every first lady. I wasn’t expecting it because this was before the swearing-in day, but the last picture was of Michelle Obama! My tears flowed.

I still can’t believe it! Every time I hear a newscaster stay ‘President Obama' I stop dead in my tracks and thank the Lord. I remember getting caught in the crowds when leaving the swearing-in. We were lodged near a fence and some of the people suggested tearing the fence down…”No!” shouted many of the young people in the crowd. “That’s not Barack’s way!” It’s a new day America.

What a time…what a time…