A New Era

 Yesterday was the Inauguration of President Biden and Vice-president Harris.  It was held on the Capitol steps where two weeks earlier a mob had invaded the "people's house" and threatened the legislators who were affirming the electoral college vote.  When speakers referenced the fact that democracy prevailed, it didn't seem like a cliche.  It was for real and something to be thankful for.  

There were no crowds lining the mall.  Instead there were flags representing those who were watching at home--like us--from our living rooms.  Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks sang.  Amanda Gorman read her poem--and was a star in her yellow coat and dove pin--and at age 22 so very poised.  

Vice-president Pence represented the outgoing administration because President Trump would not attend and was already in Mar Lago.   That was probably a good thing because he has yet to concede or refer to President Biden by name.  However, former Presidents Clinton, Obama, and Bush were there.

Weeks ago I wrote about waking up in the middle of the night praying for a peaceful transition of power.  Two weeks ago, it was not peaceful but today was a beautiful day to celebrate our country and a new administration. 

Four years ago I marched with many other women from our church and women across the country to demonstrate our sadness for the Trump presidency.  It is finally over and we can be relieved that once again our country is joining others in the Paris Accord and  the World Health Organization.  There is a recogntion of the sorrow and danger of the pandemic instead of calling it a hoax.  The "wall" will not be completed and there will be a path for citizenship for more immigrants again.  

I am very thankful and hope and pray this will mean a better time for all Americans including those who did not vote for President Biden. 

 

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On another topic, my annual Blog2Print book arrived yesterday.  Jim has been reading through it and commenting that when I wrote early in the year, I hoped that by the time it was printed, we would be finished with the pandemic and our isolation.  That has not happened.  I wrote of being dismayed at the milestone of 150,000 dead and now it is over 400,000. My first photo and thus the front cover was of Sunrise Resort in Florida; we have given up or at least postponed a Florida trip this year.  My last photo for the back cover was of the wedding of Dan and Alex--a highlight of 2020.  The best news of the year!  Along with Jim's good post-radiation scores--also good news which we hope will continue into 2021.