Our Time has Come.... Part Deux

The evening of November 4th 2008 brought waves of emotion that I am still riding.

After my election party, I headed downtown San Diego to the victory party at the House of Blues. Mary and her son came with me...

Walking downtown you could see that there was something different. People were smiling.. And though it is not unusual for people to smile in San Diego, it is unusual for everyone to have a grin on their face. As I walked, I fist bumped some young black men on the corner.. I said to them "you're next"... why not? I ran into a young black woman who asked for money.. I didn't have much, but I gave her what change I had on me.. She grabbed me and hugged me and said "Things are going to be different now, sister". I believe she was right.

When Mary, Andrew and I got to the HOB the line was around the corner.. we waited a few minutes chatting with folks and swimming in the excitement of the moment. By the time we got to the door, the President Elect was speaking. I had to hear it... so I ran to a glass door, but could not get to other side.. I stood there and watched the speech, crying uncontrollably. I could see young Andrew watching me, but the tears would not stop, so I went with moment, and let it be.

Once the speech was over, the crowd inside dispersed and we were able to find seats. We all got a Stella Artois and settled in to take in the moment, the news pundits and our surroundings. I met a man who sat alone, drinking from a chalice, with flip flops and pedicured red painted, flower adorned toes, wearing a skull cap with fake braids hanging from it and smiling brightly. He came over and chatted a while, telling us how he has been working for the Obama campaign.. that he traveled to Nevada and Texas to sign folks up to vote, detailing what that experience was like...  (And my curiosity peaked as I pictured him in Texas, dressed as he was this evening... interesting interactions indeed!).  

After our braided friend, left our table, we finished our beers and headed back out into the streets to go home. People were still smiling, honking their horns and screaming "Obama"! Mary, and Andrew and I were recapping the evening when stopped at a crosswalk, with a crowd of strangers, one of them jumped into the street, aimed her camera at all of us and said "smile, i want a picture of all of you". We did, acting as if we were all old friends, it was hilarious and joyous and strange. I liked it.

At home, I could not sleep..I just watched the news until exhaustion took me gently into her arms and let me rest. 

The 44th President and first family...