It has been an emotional time for us. We've suffered eight long years of what surely is the closest thing to The Dark Ages in most of our lifetimes. I'm convinced that we really are on the verge of one of the most important moments in our nation's history. We're about to do what most of us had thought impossible. Soon we will have a decent, brilliant, compassionate, supremely skillful man leading our country. A breath of fresh air, a warm, bright light after a very long, very cold, very dark night. I want this to happen so much, I feel like I'm almost ready to explode - I know many of you feel the same way.
There's a song you should listen to as this amazing day comes. Read on...
I'm confident that tomorrow will bring us the results we have been aching for (but be sure to get off your ass and get your vote in, if you haven't already. I'll be there when the polls open in Seattle at 7 am).
Yet, like many of you, I'm saddened by the news that Madelyn Dunham, Barack Obama's grandmother, the woman who probably shaped him more than anyone else, passed away this afternoon. How ironic, and how sad that she wasn't able to see him win this historic election. The universe can sure be a strange and indifferent place sometimes.
I'm sitting here on Election Eve, working. My job is such that I don't have the luxury of taking the night off to do GOTV, to watch TDS and TCR, or just to relax and get ready for what's coming tomorrow. I have a project due at work, and it's got to be done tonight. So I'm sitting here writing, and listening to iTunes. The songs shuffle along (I'll spare you my mix list).
The song, American Anthem comes up. I'm sure many of you know it - Norah Jones sings it on the soundtrack to Ken Burns' great PBS documentary, The War. It's a very simple, and very stirring ballad. If you have it (or know where to get it it), let me suggest you listen to it right now, and join me for a few moments to think about Senator Obama's grandmother.
I think your reaction will probably be about the same as mine. You may want to have some Kleenex handy.
Yeah, me too.
I thought of Madelyn Dunham, Barack Obama's grandmother, as I listened to Norah Jones sing these lines, which seemed very appropriate.
I'm going to quote the lyrics here for those who don't have the song handy (and hope I don't get bashed for it). I think Ms. Jones would approve.
American Anthem
All we've been given by those who came before
The dream of a nation
Where freedom would endure
The work and prayers of centuries
Have brought us to this day
What shall be our legacy?
What will our children say?
Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings that I received
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America,
America
I gave my best to you
Each generation from the plains to distant shore
With the gifts they were given
Were determined to leave more
Battles fought together
Acts of conscience fought alone
These are the seeds from which America has grown
Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings that I received
Let me know in my heart when my days are through
America,
America
I gave my best to you
For those who think they have nothing to share
Who fear in their hearts
There is no hero there
Know each quiet act of dignity is that which fortifies
The soul of a nation that never dies
Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings I received
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America,
America,
I gave my best to you
America,
I gave my best to you
She did indeed, and the world is the better for it.
Here's a portion of what Obama said about her tonight:
She was one of those quiet heroes that we have all across America who, they're not famous, their names aren't in the newspapers, but each and every day, they work hard. They look after their families. They sacrifice for their children and their grandchildren. They aren't seeking the limelight. All they try to do is just do the right thing.
Bless you, Madelyn Dunham, you've done more for this country than you could imagine (or maybe not...I have a feeling she knows her grandson well). Thank you from all of us. Peace.
Now, I'm going to cry a little more and get back to work. Tomorrow, I think my tear ducts will be getting quite a workout.