Transfer of Power

Four years ago on this day, we were celebrating the inauguration of George W. Bush at an Inaugural Ball in DC. If my memory doesn't fail me, I believe it was the Independence Ball located at the Convention Center. We didn't see the actual swearing-in ceremony that day, just heard it on the radio in the car as we traveled to DC. We were one of the first ones there, me in my embroidered black and white satin gown and Ron in his rented tux, and we were one of the last ones to leave the party, well past midnight.

When we finally got through security and in the door, a quick survey of the hall and some quick thinking (on my part, I'm proud to say) led us to snatch one of about eight small round tables (with four barstools) located in the big, yet empty room. We got ourselves some drinks and whiled the time away. As the room began to fill with people and become quite crowded, we rejoiced in our good fortune that we had a table.

We guarded that table throughout the night, leaving it one-by-one only for food from the nearby buffet, more drinks, and some photos of the President and First Lady as they made their appearance. (Sadly, this was in a year when my digital camera was busted and all I had was a flimsy disposable. Can you believe it? I cannot tell you where those pictures are.)

And throughout the night, many visitors filed by our table, asking for permission to sit, people like Morton Blackwell, various elected officials, and celebrities, whose names I don't even recall. All of Washington was at our particular ball, as our state got grouped together with DC, which was great, because we got to meet several people who worked in the Bush administration.

It was an awesome night, one we will not soon forget.

Needless to say, we were not in DC today, nor were we attending any Inaugural Balls. We watched the peaceful transfer of power on television, reverent of the US political process, and aware of the historical significance, but wary at what America's future holds with this 44th President at the helm. Beyond campaign slogans and sweeping promises, some of which have already been cast aside, America has yet to see who Barack Obama truly is.

Starting tomorrow, we will find out.