MLK Day

Just another cultural/historical person/event that Maddie is not quite clear on as a "child of the world." I had forgotten that it was the weekend at all. Certainly nothing was mentioned at the church we attend, but this morning I woke up to Facebook posts of things people in the States had done yesterday at their churches to commemorate the holiday and other greetings of "Happy MLK Day." I imagine that the whole concept of segregation based on skin color for a child whose friends come in every shade of skin there is will be hard to grasp. I tried to explain it to her once, but I got the feeling she thought I was making it up. So while Maddie catches up on things like MLK day next year, she can teach her friends about Divali and Chinese New Year.

I don't know what the mood is like in the States, but here in London, everyone is so excited about the inauguration of Obama and exit of Bush. Obama is in the papers much more than PM Gordon Brown. Only one group is sorry to see Bush go and is holding a last hurrah in his honor tonight in downtown London--the comedians. Seriously, there is a big gathering of some of Britain's top funny people to take one last stab at Bush. I have to say I'm finding it hard to feel sorry for Bush. I really thought here at the end, he might take some responsibility and admit at least some mistakes, but he has been steadfast in his arrogance to the bitter end--at least in the interviews I've seen and read about.

I have to admit that I was one of those people who voted more against McCain than for Obama, but I have become completely won over to the "fervent supporter" side in the days since the election. I have been so impressed with the depth and breadth and quality of his cabinet picks, as well as his effort to be so completely inclusive in the clergy people he has chosen to participate in the inauguration and national prayer breakfast. And then, if he really meant what he said in that letter to his daughters, he really is the person I want to be running our country.

Skip will be out of town tomorrow for the inauguration, but I want Maddie to understand what a big deal this is, so I asked her how she wanted to celebrate. Here at our household to commemorate the inauguration of Obama, we will be dining on hot dogs and brownies and have friend Kara over to celebrate with us. We're even going to make the brownies together as we watch the festivities and events on television. And I won't even have to come up with a fancy dress to wear.