Don't Quit Your Day Job

It seems like everyday I wake up wondering what's going to be important for that particular day. And for awhile, I hestitated about writing about the newly elected Barack Obama, because most of me didn't even know what to say.

A couple of days after the election my aunt e-mailed some writings about her husband's death over three years ago. She wrote a hello and horay! for Obama and also attached some writings she thought I would enjoy. In her e-mail was the mention of a New York Times article on Albany, Georgia's celebration of Obama's victory.

I remember hearing about Barack Obama years ago from my dear friends who live in Chicago, how political consultants had told him to change at least part of his name in order to be remembered by the United States public. How inspired they had been by all he had done in Chicago. And how far I felt we needed to go in order have him actually elected as president. Actually, elected.

I think I was about twelve when my uncle confessed he had been arrested. In Albany, Georgia, he said. Like my young mind knew much about the civil rights movement and protesting and standing up for what is right. But over time I've learned the impact it's all had on everything. My aunt mentioned how much she wished my uncle had lived to see November 4th.

A couple of weeks ago I printed off my aunt's writings to read and placed them in my bag where I keep all my students papers and yoga books. And tonight, when I was all ready to play around on the internet for hours, I pulled out her writings and began to read. And it was so nice. She was finally sharing how she felt with me. Her writings are honest and refreshing.

I don't know if I'll ever really understand where my immediate family is coming from. I do know that all of these bits and pieces that I am collecting will someday come together to make sense. They have to.