Got a Happy Story is a community gathering every Friday night where we share stories large and small that have put a smile on our face. It is a time to acknowledge the joy and wonder we experience. The Happy Story diary exists as a way to anchor the community in hope and comfort while we do the hard work of taking back our country. Everyone and all sorts of stories and pictures are welcome. May we find joy and strength here.
I want to hear your stories of where you were when you heard the news that Barak Obama was our new President. I've been thinking about this since I had a conversation with my parents after the election. My mom was crying on the phone as she said, "he's your generation's John Kennedy. And I'm so happy that you've got one too." My parents revere the Kennedys. One of my Dad's most precious possessions is his Christmas card from JFK and the family on their first Christmas in the White House. I grew up hearing stories about the Kennedys and looking at clippings and books about them.
But it wasn't until this conversation with my mother that I heard a new story that I'd never heard before. Oh I knew every tragedy and where my parents were at that moment. My mother still sobs when she talks about Jackie losing their third baby after he was born too early. My father still gets misty eyed when he talks about Bobby and the California primary. But I never knew where they were when they heard that JFK had won the election.
Both of them had worked to elect JFK, beginning with the New Hampshire primary. This charismatic Senator had been the topic of conversation on their first date two years earlier. They stayed up all night on election day waiting for the news. Then my Dad left for his classes and my mom got ready for work. As she was ready to leave the house, around 10:30 am, she heard over the radio that John Kennedy would be the new President.
It's sad to me that she could only tell the story when another charismatic Senator was elected. But she sees in Obama what she saw in JFK. She sees a brighter future for our country. Finally, after all this time.
I was in the bedroom watching MSNBC when I learned that Barak Obama would be our new President. I was touched that David Gregory gave Keith the honors. And I was touched by the emotion in his voice. Here it is.
Earlier in the evening soberboy was watching with us as the 8:00 results came in. He cheered as Massachusetts' electoral votes went into Obama's column. The next morning there was no knock on our door. Just a whirlwind that pounced on us demanding "who's my new President?" And then he cheered and jumped all over us.
So who gave you the news and where were you?