Fourty-4

Have you ever thought that all the great moments in history have already happened?

I did an interview, of my Grandma Verdie in elementary school. Learning about her life gave a presence to her time and opened the doors to the possibilities of my own. After writing my report I sat and wondered about how things will change over my life. Perhaps, due to a lack of imagination, I could not think of anything. Everything seemed as it would always be.

Time went on. I am 20. My Grandpa Dan is sick; living the last few years of his life. Nate and I would spent a few hours visiting with him one Sunday a month. I loved these visits. With only Nate and I there he would get chatty and tell us his life stories. The stories that made him into who he was. Stories about what he loved and what made him laugh. Stories about times almost forgotten. During one of these visits I wondered what I would remember; what I would want to tell my grand kids when the time came to tell my stories. Before we left Grandpa, sitting in his recliner would reach up and give me a hug. I always smelled foldgers in his hugs. I smell it right now while I write this.

Today, an African-American was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. I have heard the statement "we are witnesses to history". Its true! We are witness to this historical moment but I can not help but feel that this moment is greater than the color of this mans skin. Based on today's experience, if I was speaking to my Grand kids, I would tell them about the man who aspires to be a president of the people and how this was reflected by the hundreds of thousands of people standing in freezing temperatures to see his inauguration; clothed in cotton hats and gloves, coats and scarfs instead of furs and fancy shoes. I would tell them of how he spoke of diplomacy and respect of other nations and how he plans to bring peace. And I would tell them how he gave hope to the people of America "amidst gathering clouds and raging storms".
For we are in a difficult times. "we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, ... Our economy is badly weakened,...Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet." He warned us during his inauguration speech of these issues. There is still more to be done.

Yes, he made history by becoming the first black US president and we were all witness to that but there is further history to be made. I heard someone say the worst times in American History brings out the greatest presidents. I believe, we are having one of those times and that he has the potential to be one of those presidents. It is my hope that we will be witness to that as well.