It is the eve of Barack Obama's inauguration and the mood on both sides of the border is palpably celebratory and hopeful. The collective conscious mood of doom and gloom resulting from the churning of the 24/7 media machine: wars, genocide, starvation, corruption, disease, torture, environmental idiocy and economic free-fall that is taking a such a toll on our psyches has shifted as we put aside our fears, doubts and cynicism for at least a day or two. One giant combined breath of hope with fingers crossed for good luck. "Yes we can," Obama said the night of the New Hampshire primary and perhaps enough of us are are willing to become involved in our community that truly we can--together--make the seemingly impossible, possible.
In my little middle-class, middle-age microcosm, I too am experiencing the audacity of hope, strengthened faith and profound gratitude at the outpouring of goodwill, prayers and support for my kids and me. I am thunderstruck by the generosity of my intimates and their willingness to re-jig their very busy, already full-to-the-brim lives in order to do whatever it takes, whenever it takes and however long it takes to support us.
I can never, ever, ever again contemplate for a split-second the notion that I am not dearly loved and closely held. The power of their kindness is the fuel that will see me through whatever challenges lay ahead.
I am humbled. I am elated. I am not alone.
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Dear Zoe,
ReplyDeleteI'm not very good at this kind of public forum, so I'll probably mostly lurk around the edges of your blog more than I'll comment.
I'm really happy that I have this contact with you, even (or especially?) under these circumstances. I feel fairly inspired reading your posts for two mornings now. So, thank you for that.
I'm trying here, in my own middle-class, middle-age world, to develop a new degree program for those radical students amongst us who feel crushed by the tedious weight of the conservative, white enclave of the Okanagan. The degree is an Applied BA in Community, Culture & Change and I've been thinking a lot lately about the audacity of hope, wondering if we can make it concrete, bring it home somehow. Make it last.
Reading your blog gives me confidence that we can. That we need to. That slogging through the paperwork of it all is worthwhile.
Okay. Enough seriousness. I have to talk about those boots! I have some sense that you would wear them even if you weren't quashing cancer. They're a lovely strawberry pink!
Off to work. Take care.
S.