The Big Day- Cold Yet Warm

Tuesday,January 20 began very early for me.  Because of our desire to get close, we boarded the Metro at 4:15AM.  We got on the first train in Maryland headed for the capitol.  We thought, this is great.  The trains are empty and we all have a seat.  Then we stopped at our second station and WOW there was a crowd of folks waiting to board.  Most of us thought -- Oh my God, the drama begins.  However, such was not the case.  People were patient and considerate.  When we exited the train, folks were cooperative and clearing a path for us.  Everyone was talking, smiling and meeting new people.  

It is COLD, COLD in DC.  For us California folks, we thought we were going to freeze.  So, we danced, walked, and laughed to keep ourselves warm. (Unsuccessful)  Despite being cold, no one left the long lines.  Everyone was determined to witness the event.  It felt like 5 degrees because of the wind chill.  We did not want to drink a lot of hot liquids because we did not want to frequent the port-a-pottys.  It was dark and we cheered when the sun came up!

Most have seen the service on the television and surely it was beautiful.  What was hard to see on TV was the energy of the people in attendance.  An extremely diverse group gathered for this event.  There was no question that America has changed.  All races, religions and economic groups were gathered together.  

In our group, there was one senior citizen who was very cold.  It was amazing that two women in front of her took their heavy blanket and wrapped her to keep her warm.  Those around kept asking if folks were OK, did they need anything and could they see easily.  We immediately bonded with every group.  Those in attendance had a spirit of hope that was felt across the throng of thousands.

It was an amazing experience.  I have never seen an inaugural experience that was more grassroots.  People cheered and chanted throughout.  The group felt a connection with the President that was unprecedented.  Imagine over a million people chanting and cheering for the president.  A million people listening and connecting to a vision of hope.  It was remarkable.

Am I exhausted?  You bet.  Was I cold to the point of California freezing?  To the bone.  Would i do it again? Tomorrow if possible.  I took my children and son in law.  They all thanked me for he experience of a lifetime.  It was a gift given to them that cannot be bought.