A terrorist attack on our blessed nation I know that many of us will remember where we were on that particular hour of the day. And how so many of us stayed glued to our tv's with unbelief set in our eyes and our hearts feeling so vulnerable. Although I did not have any personal connection to anyone on that unfortunate day - I somehow felt connected to each and every person I saw on tv or read about. And then watching our nation come together to unite, and to show pride in our country, but yet still so many schools do not recite the pledge of allegiance - we are still so divided among ourselves.
I sometimes wonder - have we forgotten - has that pride left our spirit?
And then the natural disasters around the world that changed many peoples lives. Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami just a few short years ago. Who would have ever
pictured natural disasters like that occurring. Living in Florida, we experience numerous warnings throughout each hurricane season...thankfully I have yet to experience one. But I do risk a chance by staying in this area - that at some point in time, Tampa Bay will win the hurricane lottery...
And then as I sit and remember being in 6th grade and having a vague memory of the gulf war beginning, and remembering a name that seemed to follow me through the next 15 years. An end to someone who once was one of the most hated men that I know of (Sudam Husein). But yet we are still fighting a war that I still don't truly understand... It makes me wonder where my life will be in the next 10 years. I've finally experienced an economic crisis. Thankfully my job and financial effects are secure unlike so many people in our country. When I saw gas hit $4.00 a gallon I was so shocked. That was a turning point for me to better manage my time spent in the car. I become an adult and no longer a careless and frivolously twentysomething....
As I watch today's inauguration, I find it hard to understand how we can be asked to pray as a new president is sworn in, but yet again in most school across this country the mentions of prayer is never heard. This inauguration is another milestone that I wasn't sure I would see in my lifetime.
I will be honest Obama did not have my vote. But I will respect and hope that he is able to follow through on his promise to change this nation. A nation that has become so divided amongst itself. Each day that I step outside my house - I see many circumstances of how divided we have become. I do hope, that those who did vote our for our new president, voted for his political stand point and his presidential plan for this country - AND NOT for the color of his skin. Because if that was a reason for just one individual in this country - then we will still be a country divided amongst itself. I hope to see by the end of the 4 year term, that I as a thirtysomething, will be able to benefit a better life from his plan. His plan for change.
Maybe it just the fact that I'm coming to such a large milestone for myself or maybe it's just that I feel that I HAVE seen so much in this short 30 years, but it makes me wonder what else will happen...
I now cautiously make decisions because as a parent I now have to wonder what it will be like for my son, when he is about to turn 30. How many disasters will he witness, will he find pride in his country....or will he feel lost amongst the crowd? I hope that the next 30 years of my life will be filled with less tragedies and more memorable moments that will help define my life and the life of my child and the children to come....These are just my thoughts from my first 30 years.
