Wednesday, November 05, 2008

An American Family Moment



Photo & Text Copyright 2008 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

We were having a late supper when the President Elect of the United States and his family took the stage in Chicago and we looked on from the TV screen at the 5 Spot restaurant on Queen Anne. The restaurant went to a hush and patrons left far tables to draw closer and listen to the memorable and inspiring speech. There was spontaneous applause at several points and moist eyes at others, and a feeling in the air of sharing a special moment. I had heard Senator McCain's gracious concession speech earlier on the radio while in transit. Before that, just after 8:00 PM when the polls here closed and the announcement went out, the streets I drove were nearly empty. There were fire crackers and whoops here and there, but hardly a soul on the street. I heard from a classmate that the streets in parts of Capitol Hill were filled with celebrants and nearly impassable. For the most part, versions of this scene were taking place indoors all over the city in private homes and neighborhood gathering places. We were part of the larger American family gathered around TVs and radios, sharing this moment, in victory or defeat, as one people.

12 comments:

Jilly said...

You make us so much part of the intimacy of the evening. Many of us watched every moment of this historic event on television - so moving - and so inspirational. Change is here and I know it's for the better. This lucid, charismatic, thoughtful man will make a great US President. Thankyou America!

alice said...

You did it! Thank you for this great day!

Kim said...

Ah, Jilly and Alice, France has been our dear, dear friend for over two hundred years of often turbulent and challenging times. Thank you for your good wishes! May our international bonds of friendship and goodwill and united effort to be our better selves keep ringing through the centuries. Many of us feel like we have taken our democracy back because this was a very participatory election. The real work remains to be done, but with those two fine leader's speeches last night, we had a truly united moment. We know we can count on our international friends to help us roll up our sleeves and clean up our mess.
-Kim

Chow Down Seattle said...

Yesterday was truly a historic event. Great picture!

Jane Hards Photography said...

At least half the UK stayed u to watch this historic event, which for me went the right way. The image sums up perfectly how connected by a soilitary event we still can be.

USelaine said...

And if you thought voting for President was fun, wait until you see the January theme day ballot just waiting for you to make your voice heard! 8^)

Tania said...

Hey Kim, just tagged you for a "I ♥ your blog" award. Just a fun little questionnaire to fill out. I really do appreciate all the pictures you take that make me feel closer to home!

Marcel said...

I was a happy camper as I watched the results on line last night.

Suz Broughton said...

What a warm photo. Really captures the moment.

Kate said...

Finally! Hope is alive again!

Pat said...

Hurrah, and may he be able to carry out his plans for a much better America and world.

Becky said...

Again, well done. I really like how the focus of this photo is...well, out of focus. The warmth of the environment in this shot is really inviting.