In the end.
Yesterday was just gorgeous. It was slightly overcast and the wind would strengthen from time to time sending bright leaves twirling to the ground. I sat in the garden and knit. Stopped and checked the news. And back again. I did finish the scarf, all six feet, casting off just as Barack Obama took the stage at 10:45 or so. And I admit to shedding a few tears as I tucked in the ends of the yarn.
I hope he is everything you think he is. I hope he can accomplish this grand new America you have envisioned. I admit to being a bit blue (ironically) this morning because I don't see what it is you see in him. I see him and remember the first time I heard my daughter's heartbeat. She was eight weeks old. I remember the photo of my son, at twenty weeks. He was sucking on his bottom lip. If I were to peek around the corner, I would see him doing that still. Because he is what he was then, a live, unique, beautiful person.
So I don't understand, but I will hope right along with you. I will have faith, the same faith I've always had, not a new one brought about by this one human man. I will teach my children to pray. I will teach my children to cherish and protect the newest of lives and those that are not so new, but just as precious. I will teach them to conserve, starting with our own backyard and our own consumption. I will educate my children. I will teach them to love one another (I'm failing at that this morning as a symptom of my daughter's cold includes a really bad attitude, poor girl). My family and I will financially support those in the world who live in poverty, just as we always have.
Congratulations to us all on this big step forward. Our prayers today are for our new leader and for all of us as we continue to move forward.
Jennifer -- well-said, well-spoken and nice knitting! I'm in a fog today and appreciate that some many of my dear online friends can write so well what is weighing so heavily in my heart ....
Hugs and blessings
Posted by: Mary G. | November 05, 2008 at 09:09 AM
He reminds me of the baby I lost due to miscarriage at eight weeks and how I mourned that baby that he would have so easily discarded. I pray along with you that maybe he will bring some good, but I just feel that he isn't all that everybody thinks that he is.
I hope that your little girl gets better. I secretly enjoy when they are sick, because I love when they are cuddly and they need mommy. I know that is so wrong. As long as it is just a cold, though. I don't want any of that stomach flu!
Posted by: Juli | November 05, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Beautifully said Jennifer.
Posted by: Michele Quigley | November 05, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Nicely said, Jennifer.
He has built up a lot of expectations for himself, I hope he can live up to them and prove me wrong.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 05, 2008 at 10:43 AM
beautifully said. beautifully knit.
Posted by: cici | November 05, 2008 at 10:57 AM
i had to look at the scarf again. the yarn and color is just gorgeous.
Posted by: cici | November 05, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Last night, watching his speech, seeing how happy people were all around the world, I felt regret that I wasn't part of it. In earlier days I *would* have been part of it - despite that one issue, there is so much more he stands for that I do believe in. But I'm older now, more cynical, or just more steady in my faith. I just don't see that the greatness of his facade, and his oratory (which is truly great) comes from his heart. I suspect it comes from what people see in him. Maybe that is enough. A proud, confident America is more potent than its president.
Posted by: sarah | November 05, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I'm speechless today so thank you for saying it for me. I will pray and hope and try not to worry but I fear for our Country, our babies. God have mercy on us.
Posted by: susan | November 05, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Jennifer - Thank you for your reasoned and well said words. I have avoided political voice on my own blog, and wish I had your courage and tact. I agree with you politically, but agree even more spiritually. It is time to continue praying. He will be the next president. Prayer is needed, now as ever.
Blessings.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 05, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Amen.
Posted by: Angel | November 05, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Amen, Jennifer. Thank you for writing what I feel.
Posted by: Jennifer G. Miller | November 05, 2008 at 06:04 PM
That's my daughter.
Posted by: Dad | November 06, 2008 at 05:46 AM
I couldn't agree with you more. There were so many promises given during his campaign that he can't possible keep them all. And that is a very, very good news for the American people. I am not entirely confident, though, that that will extend to the youngest and most vulnerable among us.
Posted by: Alexandra Foley | November 06, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Well said.
Posted by: Marybeth Whalen | November 10, 2008 at 04:46 PM