I have never had much use for politics or politicians. I said repeatedly right up to election day "will it really make a difference" who wins?
After watching as much of Tuesday's events as possible I have decided that yes, it did make a difference. Tuesday was a new beginning. There was so much symbolism, so much beauty, so much hope and so much emotion that I don't remember seeing except with the passing of someone who touched the lives of a few or the masses. The poetry, the prayers, the speech, and the music from the the quartet to Beyonce singing "At Last" were moments in history that I think I will remember as well as I remember where I was when JFK was shot, and what I was doing on 911.
Saturday I will also listen to poetry, to prayers, to music, and to memories that filled 86 years of one man's life. Saturday we will gather to honor my husband's father. He left us peacefully on January 8, 2009 surrounded by his family. His breathing changed as the sun set and he took his last breath as twilight faded into night. I had prayed two days before that he could go home with the sun and my prayer was answered in Our Lord's time, not in mine. He loved to dance and the only time I have ever felt the true joy of dancing was in his arms. He called me his street girl with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. I only had the pleasure of really getting to know him the last few months of his life and I will cherish those months until my last breath.
So, in January 2009 I have seen the book closed on one man's life and a new chapter begun in all our lives. May we all cherish the minutes, the hours and the days that we have to make music, read poems and create memories.
