A Glorious Day

Tuesday was an exciting day for me. I watched as the new President took the oath of office and was moved and overwhelmed at the historical significance of the day. Having an interest in history I could not help but reflect upon the meaning of Barack Obama’s presidency for so many Americans as well as people all around the world.

I was also reflective upon the gift that my parents gave my brothers and myself as we were growing up of believing that all people were equal in every aspect. Living in a small town in Ohio, with nearly no minorities during the sixties and seventies, I did not have many opportunities to meet people who where of different ethnic backgrounds but that did not stop my parents from instilling in me the importance of the messages that Dr. King and the civil rights movement were bringing forth during that time.

I remember watching the marches, the speeches, the riots and wondering what it was all about. I was taught that there were many people who did not have the same rights and privileges that “white” Americans did and that they were struggling to gain these freedoms and to be treated the same as those people with whom I grew up with and attended church with. My dad borrowed from the library the documentary “Eyes on the Prize” at a time when you hade to have a projector to see it to teach us about the Civil Rights movement and the events and hardships that those active in the struggle had to endure. (Yes, there was a time before DVD’s and Videos that made it more difficult to see movies!”) That made an impression on me then and it continues to guide my actions and believes today.

I will always be grateful that I was able to see such change in attitudes and people in my life time. I am glad to see someone from my generation leading the country. It is a bit strange for me to realize that the new President is the same age as one of my brothers and that for the first time I am older then the President!

Tuesday was an important day for me and my family as well as so many people in the United States. Where we go from here is, as it has been suggested, up to the people to do our part in making our country and our world a better place to raise our children and our grandchildren. Politics aside, I know I will continue to hold the leaders of this country Republican and Democrat alike in to the light, praying for honesty, compassion and wisdom for all as they do the work that needs to be done.