January 22, 2021
Dear Friends,
Big sighs and dried tears, a weight lifted, and my mind cleared of negative thoughts. Even with our cloudy skies there are moments of sunshine. I’m no longer maniacally watching the news or pouring over the paper. I actually had the attention span to finish one book, start three others and am practicing relearning chords on the guitar. Maybe I’ll get around to learning a new language!
Of course, everything isn’t all better. I know that, we all know that. It will be months or even a few years before our lives are “normal”. So, let’s go forward with a greater sense of security that our leaders are competent, caring and honest. No, I’m not being Pollyannaish. Okay, maybe a little, but it’s almost sunny today and I’m feeling inspired.
Speaking of sunshine and being inspired, how about that inauguration? I’ve never felt more physically present at the ceremony than this year. At some point I stopped worrying about “no way are they patriots’” disruptions and starting relaxing with the beautiful scenes of the flags, the view of the entire mall, the sounds of the Marine band and the gorgeous voices of Lady Gaga, JLo and Garth. President Biden’s speech was solid, full of kindness, honesty and unity. Amanda Gorman’s recitation of her poem was stunning, perfect and totally amazing. I know that as a nation we are far from united and we can count on the jerks in Congress to try and spoil, block, distort and lie. I think we also know that President Biden, Vice President Harris and their administration know that and know how to deal with them and to deal with the myriad of problems we collectively need to solve.
I want to thank the creators and producers of the evening event. It was so much better than the fancy balls we used to see. It was also a terrific show. From watching President Lincoln watching us (I swear I saw him smile), to the comforting sound of Tom Hanks voice, to the scenes across America – I’m going to tear up again- it was wonderful. The young boy, Ben, perfectly reciting the famous words of President Kennedy, was incredible. He was the boy with a stutter who was comforted and encouraged by President Biden a few months ago. Wow! Here come the tears again. The performers, the essential workers, the medical people, the children, oh my goodness, I LOVED it.It reminded me of the words of the Phil Ochs song, “Power and Glory”.
“Here is a land full of power and glory, beauty that words cannot recall. Oh, her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom, her glory shall rest on us all, on us all.”
Shabbat Shalom.
Dear Mr. President 