what’s at stake
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008The chateau was beautiful and romantic, with a centuries-old terrace directly on the sea. It was close and warm as the endless deluge of rain kept us within the old walls. I heard Obama’s name in countless conversations in languages I didn’t understand.
After, most of my colleagues gathered in a nearby bar to watch the returns. Wanting access to Kos and interactive maps and Connecticut returns and the man I’ve watched the returns with for the past 16 years (if only by email), I retuned to the broadband comfort of my room.
My 2 a.m. tears were joyous as Sky News called Pennsylvania. Florida was inching its way back into my good graces. Emails, tweets, early returns (showing Chris Shays unemployed at long last!) restored my faith in America. I gave in to the siren’s call of sleep at 3, missing the acceptance speech but confident we finally got it right.
The sea is swirling and crashing in a joyful dance. Everywhere I am greeted with congratulations and handshakes from the Europeans, and happy tears of relief and amazement from the Americans.
My boys know their parents voted for Obama. Some day, they will see beyond the historic moment of electing a black man. They will understand what was at stake in this election. This moment in time will have a legacy. I am grateful and humbled to have had a voice in making a better world for my children.
