I didn't want my blog to be all about me and my illness. Even though as Mark has heard too many times already... it is all about me right now. So I thought I would share this photo from The Inauguration. Although I have asked Calvin to write up a paragraph for me about his experience and he agreed, I haven't seen it yet. He did have an incredible experience and said it was so exciting to be around so many people who were so excited!
How to Measure A Year.
17 years ago
Hi Jaime, Glad to see from your earlier blogs that you still have your great sense of humor! Wonderful to see the picture of Calvin at the Inauguration, as I have said before, he is the perfect combo of you and Mark. Very cool (and COLD) that he was there for such a historic day.
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking of you all day on Wednesday. Don't be afraid of the pain meds, a pain free recovery will help you alot. If any of the nurses give you a hard time, call me and I will be there in a flash. Love, Sally
This is a great photo! What an exciting event to see. XOXO. Winnie.
ReplyDeleteJaime,
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about you all day and won't stop until after we hear how it goes tomorrow. You're so strong and healthy I know you will be well. Just know that there are lots of warm thoughts and prayers coming your way. xox Jane
Hi Jaime, Thought Calvin might have experienced something of the same reaction we had in DC.(My tech skills...ay yi yi, didn't post the first time, now hope you don't have to read it twice!)
ReplyDeleteIt was a joyful occasion and we are so happy we made the decision to go! It was extra meaningful to be there with Aaron, as we know the memory of that shared day will live on. The weather was cold, but thank heavens no rain; the porta-potties in abundance (my biggest practical concern even in the face of this historic moment), and the crowd was overwhelmingly friendly and intent upon being present in the moment. I found that before the event began, as we walked the Mall, I was unable to carry on a conversation...I told Doug it was his lucky day as I couldn't talk....not because of the cold or the crowd, but because every time I tried to speak, I started to cry. It was really that overwhelming for so many with whom we shared the day. There were so many tears and smiles, they sort of became a mingled expression. We positioned ourselves right in front of the WWII Memorial and had a clear view of two of the large screens (both sound system and big screen were great) and were able to see and hear everything. The crowd roared when Ted Kennedy was spotted and, too, for Colin Powell and Hillary (We had the same feed that the networks were using, I assume...showing member of Congress, dignitaries, etc as they arrived). We were thrilled to see the Pelosis and Blum/Feinsteins represent California! The Mall was quiet and attentive as Barack gave his speech as if there was a real re-dedication to the ideals of the country. After as we were walking back toward the Lincoln Memorial, we saw Marine helicopter flying away with the Bushes...one 60ish man standing near us just sort of shook his fist and said "good bye, I've got my country back". I can summon up a million vignettes about the day, but for now I have to say the my overarching impression of the day was that we bore witness to history in the company of about two million others who seemed able to balance a great joy with a sense of gravitas. I have never really seen that in a crowd before and it was was truly inspirational.