The TV is seldom on at my house, but I skipped yoga this morning and tuned in to the inauguration at 8:30 a.m. My mom and I sat on the couch with our coffee. The throngs of people, the Capitol, the Washington Monument. I thought of three years ago and of the month I lived in the guest quarters at Washington Hospital Center while she lingered at death's door. How I knew then that those historic landmarks were out there just a mile or two away, but I never even tried to visit them.
This afternoon we went to the gastroenterologist, and then across the street to the hospital for a blood test. When we got home, I tuned in again to the inauguration. The magnitude of our amazement struck us both at the same time. We talked about change and how much progress has been made in her lifetime. "Next we need a woman president!" she said. "The next ticket ought to be a woman and a Native American!"
Tonight after dinner I turned on the TV a third time. Michelle in her red gown. The dance. The kiss. Stevie Wonder."Wouldn't you like to be there--at the inaugural ball--just once?" my mom asked.
"Yes, I would," I said. What a privilege that would be if my mom gets her wish. For that I would travel from sea to shining sea.
