Change has come to America!
Millions embarked upon DC this past weekend for hope, for encouragement and for history.
This was an extraordinary week for all to have witnessed. This was especially important to the Robinson & Ewing households. There was no other place on earth I would have been on January 20th, except at DC to watch Barack Hussein Obama get sworn in as our 44th president.
Before I go forward, allow me to go backwards.
Although I have been voting since 2000, this was my first time getting involved with my democratic party (correction–the first time I wanted to do something, the first time someone asked for my help). I was inspired to do the right thing, not for me but for our future. I volunteered, registered people to vote, made hundreds of phone calls to republicans, we donated much, and have been a follower of President Obama since his speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Boston 2004. I have invested into my future, into my kids, and into our country. I own a part of this and I take this seriously. This was even more special because I able to share this experience with my mother, my father, my sister, my husband, and my son. We were all on the same page….WOW! We all supported the same cause. My sister was heavily involved, she was team manager for one of the offices in South FL. (can’t remember the title), my mother kept up with all the events, every speech, every documentary. My father bought every DVD, watched every debate. My son was recruiting Obama fans at school, he visited the office with me, wore the shirts–he joined the movement. My husband had been pro-Obama since 2004 and when I was standing behind Hilary (years ago) he told me keep my eyes on Barack! He took my voter registration cards to work and registered MEN that never voted (they were in their 30’s, 40’s). My family vested into this. It was such a family affair.
Election Day–Nov. 4th—I was excited the entire day until the evening. I had planned a special evening for my family filled with things that my son would remember for a life time. That evening I was nervous, had butterflies in my stomach, and could barely watch all ten networks as numbers flew in. I started to ponder about America’s future, started to worry about the future and started to consider the possibility of moving out the country, if necessary<as an immigrant, I always have a back up plan>. Around 11pm it was declared that Barack Obama was the president-elect and a sense of relief filled me. And a sense of emotion filled me. Tears of joy!
Nov 5th–the day after–Suddenly, I had a sense of real joy and patriotism. The sun seemed so much brighter to me. While getting my son ready I found it necessary to say the “Pledge of Allegiance” and I asked my son to join in with me. I truly felt American. I got a late start but spent the entire afternoon trying to locate as much newspapers as I could. Took a few hours but I secured three–one for my son, one for my daughter, and one for the scrapbook that I still haven’t made.
Nov. 6th–booked hotel reservations. Anticipating that we might go to DC in January–even though we knew we shouldn’t with the baby!
Sunday, January 18th–Of course, we didn’t leave GA until 10am. instead of the 6am-7am time frame I had set for us. Traveling was uneventful– We arrived in the DC/VA area at 9pm.The feeling of electricity was in the air but my only priority was seeing my sister & father, eating and going to sleep.
Monday, January 19th— We started out at 9am in the morning on the orange line of the Metro. We had to go to pick up tickets for the inauguration. We arrived at the Capitol South-Metro station and joined the long, long line that wrapped two corners by the Cannon Building. We stood outside for four and a half hours in 27* & wind (with two kids). We talked to so much people from all over. CA, WA, NY, FL, etc……young, old, people with pets, kids, with using canes, people in wheelchairs, people suffering from cancer, other illnesses—-everyone shared their stories. Everyone was determined… After receiving the tickets,we had a burst of energy and decided to walk around and sightsee. The street were filled with visitors and everyone was friendly even the police. Although they were not helpful since many of them were helping from other states. We traveled down Independence Avenue. We saw the US Capital, library of congress, Dept. of Education (the no child left behind house), the FAA, National Air & Space Museum, the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, floats on display for the parade, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Department of Treasury, a small snippet of the White House (we could barely see it–but I did see a moving van). We almost was hit by a police officer speeding down 15th street(crazy) the light was red, we had the walk light on) but almost doesn’t count. We walked our feet off–I mean exhausted—and walked back to the Smithsonian Metro station. All I have to say is my baby girl is a trooper. She did such a great job with limited food, limited diaper changes, and so much cold weather. My son had never walked so much in his life–was struggling a little (today’s kids are so different).Anyway, we refreshed ourselves, grabbed some food downtown Arlington, VA and ended the night around 11pm. Even though I didn’t turn in until 2ish. The big day awaits…….
Tuesday, January 20th—Controlled Chaos begins. We were up at 5am with hopes of leaving the hotel at 6am. Today was the no stroller, no knapsack, no food/drink day——I stuffed 2 diapers in a fanny pack with baby wipes in a ziploc bag. My husband stuffed 2-sippee cups in his jacket and a hotel size box of milk. I had baby snacks, toe warmers, foot warmers, and hand warmers in my pockets. We got on the Metro and after 10 minutes realized that every train was filled to capacity and that we wouldn’t get a seat. We rode the Orange line to the Vienna station. We went to the beginning of the route and we able to get seats. Metro had delays–a lady fell on the tracks but was not killed. A metro police saved her by having her stay under the area in front of the tracks–she broke her shoulder. Anyway, our train was delayed, then Metro kept closing several stations at a time to ease station overcrowding (big mistake). We took our chances and exited at the Federal Station which was closest to the “Silver” Section that my father, sister, and son needed. Rick and I believed the hype so that means that we watched from the Mall area with the rest of the unticketed people…..we didn’t bring the stroller, diaper bag, etc…thinking that security was going to be soooooo tight and although it was, it really wasn’t. Yes, I felt safe but they were no security checks, no screens–I guess we the people were scared straight. Anyway, we braved the crowd and pushed through thousands of nice people that were in great spirits. It was freezing and at this time my husband had been carrying the baby in his arms for hours but the moment would soon arrive. Around 11:40–the girls were announced and the crowd went crazy. People were elated, suddenly the temperature didn’t seem that cold…it was about 22* but the sun was out. The crowd booed Bush—Anyway, the sound system sucked, you really couldn’t see that well, not enough TV monitors BUT we were in it…..we felt it……It was obvious that although things were good, DC wasn’t quite prepared for the crowds, the masses,the disabled, people with kids, anything–but no serious complaints—Our new president was sworn in after 12noon and I’m sure by now you know the rest…….We saw Bush fly off into the sunset in his helicopter–lol! People were waving, cursing, and yelling–RONTFL–I honestly didn’t think I would see my family again…….because it took 15 minutes for my text messages to appear. However, we were able to meet up by 1:30pm. They had a different experience…one filled with teamwork, team spirit—the security stopped letting ticketed people in and frustration filled the “Silver” section and over twenty something people kicked down the barricades/fence. People ran into the area–the police backed off and didn’t use any force. Old people were jumping the fence, a 400 lb. man, someone fell on their head, etc….You have to hear them tell it. What an experience!
Anyway, after the iunag. things got really crazy (foot traffic wise)really unorganized but hey, what can I say. There wasn’t an officer in site directing traffic–so thousands of people took to the streets trying to go left, straight, right and that meant NO ONE was moving. I only saw officers in clusters, near huge tour buses, standing around–weird! Frustrating………We walked in circles forever and eventually headed more north toward the Washington Monument away from the major crowds. Phew! We made it…….after a very long day….we walked from DC to VA (only about 4 miles) my husband had been holding the baby for about 12 hours at this point. We walked our happy you what to the Farragut North train station and my feet, hip, and lower back were throbbing! My Dad was amazing—didn’t complain, just went with the flow. I only lost my voice .Praise the Lord, we survived the big day!
Exodus–We left Arlington, VA and headed home at 8am filled with glee. The entire trip took 11 and half hours. Safe and sound….All’s well and ended well.
The vitality of the American spirit will live, flourish, and thrive.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered!
My journey has come full circle ending in DC.I will never forget this experience and will forever share it with my Dad, my son, my husband, my sister and my daughter.
Yes, we did!
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 