ILLUMINATIONS Blog

Yesterday our family was privileged to witness a stirring moment in history.  Along with another 1.7 million people from around the world, we were present on the National Mall for the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States.  What a wonderful, spirit-filled day it was!  The warmth, enthusiasm and yes, hope for the future, could be felt in spite of long lines and bone-chilling cold.  The sun was shining on our nation’s capitol.

The journey to Jan. 20 was not without a lot of planning and quite a bit of luck.  First step: getting tickets.  When we were told we’d actually get them, we knew there was no backing out.  People were coming from all over the country and we live only 20 minutes from DC; we had to go.  Next step: clothing.  OK, it was a little pricy for all those REO-type layers for a family of four - but it was still less expensive than a ball gown!  And hey, we could wear it all again shoveling the drive!  Step three:  Find someone who lives close to the Orange Line Metro so we could park in their driveway on the big day instead of battling for space in the lot.  After many e-mails, we score!  A coveted parking spot is secured! 

Step four: picking up the tickets from the office of our favorite Congressman on Capitol Hill ONLY available on the Friday or Monday before the big day.  We negotiate our way there and discover a huge stroke of luck: we actually have seats!  Great news!!!  But our Orange Line Metro won’t get us there; we need to arrive at the designated gate via the Red Line to Union Station.  Step five: scour the web for hotels close to the end of the Red Line.  Yeah!  I book us into a Sheraton for the night of 1/19 for only $80 over the usual price!  And a bonus - they’ll shuttle us to the Metro on Inauguration morn.   

January 20: We get up at 4:00am, take the shuttle to the Metro, and venture to Union Station with a crowd that’s pretty happy given that it’s early, dark and freezing!  We walk a few blocks to join a line at least a mile long, wait for an hour for the gates to open, get through security with the prize for the most electronic gadgets (doesn’t everyone in a family need their own phone and camera?!), and we’re into our seats by 9:30am!  Only two hours to go!  And, wonderful luck, we are close enough to actually see the stage, even if the people on it appear pretty small.  And when we stand and look behind us, we see throngs of people all the way past the Washington Monument.  It is truly an incredible place to be on such a momentous day! 

Two moments stand out for me against a backdrop of many wonderful impressions.  While waiting in line, I talked with a local Imam with whom I’ve worked on interfaith dialogues; he has committed time and energy to helping others understand a more tolerant view of Islam.  When President Obama said, “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect,” I was conscious of all those individuals who, with that comment, were suddenly included and valued.  I felt an overwhelming thankfulness for a President who understood the importance of inclusiveness and was aware that in this journey forward, all hearts and minds are needed. 

As we left the Inauguration ceremonies to return to the Metro, we came upon the bus for the Tuskegee Airmen.  Fighters in WWII, those heroic men returned home to face discrimination instead of the honor they deserved.  As the crowd became aware that one of those airmen was walking among us, a circle formed around him.  It was as if we turned as one to face him, black and white faces acknowledging the tremendous debt of gratitude we owed him.  Thank you’s and acknowledgment followed along with photographs.  “I love you,” said one young girl. 

Tears in my eyes, I was reminded that my journey to this day was actually one of privilege.  For others, it has been a struggle of generations.  And for all of those, known and unknown, let us give thanks.   Because of their courage, commitment and endurance, we were able to glimpse on this Inauguration Day the possibility for what our country can become.  The possibility for what each of us can become.  Yes, we can.       

Next week I’ll be off on a trip to Bluff, Utah, where I’ll join with fellow travelers in a rafting trip down the San Juan River.  This is my first adventure in white water rafting and, although the promise is that it will be a pretty mild trip, it’s all new to me. 

In spare moments throughout the past week, I’ve been dropping off in a central location in my bedroom the ”Stuff” that I will bring along.  Insect repellent is a must, clothes for hot days and cooler evenings, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, tent, sleeping bag, ….  But do I need a lightweight camping chair?  I can see where it would be great to have.  On the other hand, I’ll be lugging my dufflebag to each campsite.   I consider with care what “Stuff” I’ll bring, wanting to be sure that I’ll have what I need when I’m far from a 7-11 but also wanting to be sure that I can carry what I bring.

And then it hits me.  What about all the other “Stuff” that I carry along without even thinking about it.  There’s that old story that I’m not athletic and am bound to make a fool of myself on the raft.  There’s a sense of adventure and desire to try something new that may serve me well.  But am I being weighed down by carrying along that self-doubt and ego and fear? 

How much time I’ve spent considering the physical baggage!  How little time I’ve devoted to the emotional baggage that’s just too heavy for my spirit to carry all the way!  So before I go, I’m committing to sift through my old stories and ego needs.  I’m taking out of my bag that ”Stuff” that will slow me down.  I’m committing to adventure by traveling light, informed by this moment.  I’ll let you know how it feels to travel without so much “Stuff” when I return in July.  In the meantime, may you also travel lightly and enjoy the summer!