Music of Happiness In My Heart

What a momentous day and what a moving day. As I sat in my comfy chair watching and rejoicing in the history of the day, I was moved many times to tears. They were not tears of sorrow, but pure tears of happiness for the promise of hope for our future and my daughters future. I thought often of what my Mother would have thought of today. I know she would have been crying as well; crying for the acceptance and hope. I know also that in Jackson, my sister was sitting with some of her students in the library with streams of tears on her face as well.

Last night I talked with my 5 year old about what was going to take place today. I wanted to instill in her the importance of the events and how proud I was to be experiencing it. I wanted her to know that she is so fortunate to be alive during such a time of change. I think she understood, how fortunate to live in a world where any person could become president.

I was moved several times during the ceremony today. I cried when I saw the former Presidents come down to the platform, so many still alive at one time. I cried when Obama's girls came out as well as Michelle. I cried when Obama stopped in the hall, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. What a task he has ahead of him. I cried at the beautiful piece of music played by Yo Yo Ma, Perlman, and others. I cried during the poem. I cried as the media panned to the crowd, and saw the tears on others faces. I cried during the speech.

Music was around, in the air, in the speech, in the poem. Music of happiness was in my heart today.

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. "
Barack Obama