Sitting on the Edge of History

Here we sit perched on the edge of history. H.I.S.T.O.R.Y. And for a change, we are participants, not mere observers. Not watching it on our seven year old 245 pound Sony Wega TV from the comfort of our Lego strewn family room. We are in our nation's capital, among the cast of characters playing a small role in this new episode of America.

The Dirty & Noisy family is in frigid DC awaiting the Obama festivities. Today starts with a concert at Lincoln Memorial. All I can do is hope to catch a glimpse of Bono and Will.I.Am. All I can do is hope to hear Obama's booming words. I have been lucky to see him up close and personal a couple of times so I am not so desperate to see his beaming smile and graying head within reach. I simply want to be a part of the moment. I want to be wrapped in the making of history, surrounded by my fellow Americans who worked so hard to get us here today. I want to document this as a proud chapter in my own life story and as a prelude to my sons' civic engagement. I want to bask in victory, gratitude, inspiration, change.

We are still debating taking Bird and Deal to the Lincoln Memorial concert. Oh, how we want them to feel the energy and the digest the significance of this inauguration. We want their civic memories to begin ignited with glory and excitement and positive vibes all around.

Tuesday marks a chapter closed in our tumultuous recent history. And now a beginning replete with the most slippery of emotions: Hope.

Hope is where we are hanging our hats. The Change we hoped for has come.