Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Where were you on Jan 20, 2009?



Today was a "where-were-you-when" day for me. Like many others, we mark time in our lives based on "where we were" on certain dates. For many of us - the Baby Boomer generation - the JFK presidency may have been the first such event. The first man on the moon -where were you? (I was at the lake w/ my parents) Other memorial dates were tragic - MLK & Robert Kennedy's assainations; war/ peach rallies, Woodstock, the Challenger, 9/11 - the list goes on. Whatever your politics, the inauguration of Barach Obama was an historic day.



So where was I? Burlington, Vermont at FAHC in an auditorium over-filled with strangers, hospital employees, med students, physicians, nurse - watching CNN "live" on the theater screen. All ages, races - at rapt attention - all listening, clapping, thoughtful. Looking around, I realized as never before, how engaged so many people are in "politics" and how hopeful they are. It was a sentiment I heard quietly discussed today. I feel that same way - very hopeful about the future.



When I spoke to Katie earlier today, she said the TV scenes reminded her of the Forrest Gump movie scenes in D.C.! I laughed because, as I was taking it all in, that same thought crossed my mind. But then it really reminded me of those times depicted on film and in photos - in the '60s and ''70s - huge crowds rallying on the Mall in Washington. We saw monumental changes during those times. Perhaps a glimpse into changes we will see ahead? Let us have hope.

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