Thursday, November 6, 2008

“Today is the Greatest Day I’ve Ever Known”

Although I am not really a big fan of the Smashing Pumpkins I can not seem to get this lyric out of my head today. My brain is swirling with excitement and I can not wait to see who President-elect Barack Obama chooses for the highest levels of office. I used to avoid watching the news because it was too sad but now I am clamoring to turn it on just so I can see his big happy smile.

As I have been on this positive high for the past forty eight hours it occurred to me that there have been many times in my life that defined me, for example every moment I have lived, but only a couple handfuls of them really resonate as the days that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I hope to look back on this list in ten years and not only still feel the same but have even more moments to add.

Seeing something I had written published for the first time. Sadly, the teeny-bopper magazine I submitted the poem to was very likely tossed more years ago then I care to mention but I can still feel the exhilaration I had when I opened the pages and saw my name and words in print.

My first real kiss with a guy I truly loved.

Red Sox win the first World Series in 86 years. It pleased me to no end to know that my Grandfather was still alive to see that day as well.

The day I got married.

Maintaining a 4.0 GPA in college as a returning, adult student. It was not that I did not have the capacity to do so all along, it was simply that I placed more emphasis on things outside of my studies. The work and time that went into sustaining that standard is something that will stick with me forever; just knowing I could do it if I wanted to has been applied to every area of my life since.

The day I moved into the first apartment that was all mine. Liberating.

Hearing the words “President-elect Barack Obama” for the first time. When I was a kid I was told countless times that I could do anything, be anything that I wanted so at about age seven I proudly announced to my Mom that what I wanted was to be black. Unfortunately there are some things that are actually not possible so instead I spent much of my growing life studying and identifying with the heroes I had, many of whom were from the African American community. My number one all time hero was Rosa Parks but as of two days ago she might just have some competition in holding onto that position due to our newly elected President inching up the list rather quickly.

Yes We Can.
Yes We Did.
YES WE WILL!!!

10 comments:

Michelle said...

what a wonderful and moving post. I have to agree that election night of 2008 is in there as one of those moments in my life that I will never ever forget that feeling that washed over me.

Bridgete said...

Great post.

I agree, Tuesday has definitely become a defining moment in my life as well.

melissa said...

Beautiful post!

Expressions By Devin said...

Tuesday was so bittersweet.This is something I can tell my grandchildren later on in life.This election will always be in my mind and heart.Great post like always lol:0)

High Desert Diva said...

I love your enthusiasm

Kala said...

Indeed, this Tuesday, a definining moment in all of our lives. How fortunate we are to be able to witness this:):)

Rosebud Collection said...

What a nice post Jenn..Happy to be back and reading them..Missed you..

Judi FitzPatrick said...

Right on, great post!
Love, Mum

Octavine Illustration said...

love the post. and yes we did!~

Chris Stone said...

great post! i hear colin powell is being considered for secretary of education. i hope he gets it!