Today, January 20, 2009, we inaugurated the 44th President of the United States of America. It is already redundant to say that today is a historic one in America; a day full of emotion, pride and hope for tomorrow. I felt this too, but today was even more emotional for me as it marked the 21st birthday of my son Bryan, who passed away nearly four years ago.
Bryan was mentally and physically handicapped, but in some ways he was much like our new President: strong and determined, with a wonderful sense of humor and the ability touch the hearts and souls of everyone he met. As I watched President Obama’s speech inspire millions, I realized that today was not a day for me to mourn my son. Rather, it was a time to not only celebrate the rejuvenation of our country, but to celebrate the day twenty-one years ago when God gave me the greatest gift of my life.
After watching the inauguration, I walked out into our back yard and released twenty-one balloons into the air. The wind was light and they soared high, perhaps touching the clouds, but surely touching the heavens. Each balloon was a different color: green, yellow, purple, orange; but most of all I will remember those that were red, white, and blue.
Congratulations President Obama. Happy Birthday Bryan.
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