Today I Feel Hopeful…
Yesterday was the big day – January 20, 2021 – INAGURATION DAY! (anyone else singing the coronation day song from Frozen??)
As I was watching the post-inauguration celebration last night, Camden came scurrying into the living room. I was still “Feeling Good” about John Legend and waiting for a glimpse of my girl Chrissy Teigen, while Camden’s entrance conveniently coincided with the grand firework display. At that time, President Biden and Dr. Biden were shown on the screen. I told Camden, “look- that’s our new president!” Cam looked at me, confused and curious, asking me what a president was. I went on to explain, in detail, the role of a president- a leader, a decision-maker, a caretaker. I explained that it was a very powerful and important role for our country and our world. After a few minor questions and comments- “wow he has really white hair!”, “does he have to wear a tie?”, “how many fireworks are they going to shoot off for him?” Camden walked out of the room. I sat confused. Had I never spoken to Cam about presidents before? Did we miss this chapter somewhere between planets, dinosaurs, and venomous snakes?
It was then that I realized that this topic never came up- and probably with reason. I never introduced Camden to our former President. I had never showed him a picture of Trump, never mentioned his name to Camden, never made him listen to President Trump speak. I realize now that as a 6-year-old, President Trump would have been the first president that Cam was introduced to and that wasn’t something that I could swallow. I wasn’t ready to have a man that I watch disrespect others, a man with such little comprehension of basic leadership concepts, be an emblem of power for my young son. I still don’t think I was quite ready to comprehend it all myself.
I respect both views. I have some beliefs that stray more “right” than they do “left”. I don’t classify myself as a Democrat or a Republican. I have friends and family that are on different ends of the political spectrum which I appreciate as it gives me an opportunity to listen and learn. I am so honored to live in a country where opposing views can be heard, and hopefully, respected. That is something that I’m excited to teach my children about.
On a lighter note… there were so many wins I got to experience yesterday- Eugene Goodman escorting Kamala Harris into the inauguration, Garth Brooks hugging our former presidents, Amanda Gorman’s courage and graceful words, even Bernie’s mittens. But the highlight of my day was a little less climactic. I called Elliott into the room as they showed Vice President Harris during the inauguration celebration. With such joy and excitement, I explained to Elliott that this was our new VP- a woman! I energetically explained how this was history in the making, the first of its kind! As I anxiously waited for her response, she turned to me and said, “Oh, nice mom!” and ran to reorganize her Barbie Dreamhouse. I was floored! She wasn’t nearly as excited as I expected- correction- wanted her to be. As I pouted, I realized, this doesn’t matter to my four-year-old daughter because she doesn’t know any different. She doesn’t know that before Kamala, women didn’t make it to these roles. Before Kamala, this was not something I could’ve ever imagined as a young girl, or an adult for that matter. I am so excited that my daughter will never know differently. She will never question whether a woman will have a seat at the table, or even better- sit at the head of that table.
Regardless of the chaos, of COVID, of the arguments- I woke up hopeful today, inspired from the events yesterday, and excited for the future of our country. I have a little more bounce in my step this week (perhaps it’s my COVID vaccine). And most importantly, I’m confident that I’ll proudly teach my children more about these historic leaders.