Joleen and I arrived in Washington, D.C. late Saturday afternoon; it's been a whirlwind of activity ever since. Get to the Capitol to pick up tickets, over to this office for others. Meet friends. Arrange schedules. Get ready for the big day.
Saturday night we got our bearings from Seattlite Devin Hampton, an Obama advance team leader. (You can read about Devin's amazing story here.)
Sunday afternoon we attended a private brunch where leaders of the African American community in Washington State reflected on what this week means to them. It was humbling to sit and listen to their heartfelt comments, reflections on lives lived with hope. Congressman Jim McDermott spoke briefly about a new day when some citizens "won't ever have to cast their eyes down again." A corporate executive involved in government relations work told of being called a "high-priced N-----" in the chambers of a Northwest state's Senate but never gave up. Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice quoted the author of Hebrews in the Christian scriptures, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen," and told of the long journey toward equality, a journey punctuated with fear, anger, and hope.
After the brunch, we walked to the Mall and caught the last half of the Lincoln Memorial concert. Wow! (We stayed up really late and watched the whole event on HBO.)
Last night we attended the Washington State Society reception, an event hosted by Washingtonians living and working in D.C. A who's who of Seattle politics was there. Of course, I kept my gawking as discreet as possible.
I have two predominant thoughts so far.
First, Washington resembles a giant party, which it is in so many ways. But, I'm referring to people's faces. Big smiles. Hearty laughs. Families with children everywhere. Our hotel is packed with African American families; children everywhere. I can imagine the bedtime conversations, whispers of pride and joy between Moms and Dads and their kids. I can only capture a sliver of the meaning of all this. Decades of spiritual, emotional, and binding shackles must be falling away. It is truly amazing to be here and be an eyewitness to history being made.
Second, tomorrow at Noon our country will once again process a peaceful transfer of power. I don't think we realize the magnitude of this fact. There is no violence in our streets. Leaders aren't being poisoned. One president will stand and watch as a new president takes the oath of office and then we'll be done. So simple, yet so profound. America will stand tall tomorrow!
Ironically, I received an email letter from a friend serving in Iraq earlier today. He's halfway around the world in a far away country with his pistol strapped to his side hoping for peace while we stand here witnessing a peaceful and historic transition. So, on inauguration eve, we are hopeful, excited, and filled with anticipation. Tomorrow will be a great day for America.
