Woahbamarama

I showed up to teach Tuesday evening, and met the intense gaze of an especially well-spoken and insightful graduate student. "I'm trying hard to memorize everything about today," she spoke with a serious tone. "I know I'm going to want to talk about it in the future. It's going to be historical."

I had a hard time concentrating on class, and we took two breaks instead of the usual one so we could check the returns on the internet. (Have you been in a college classroom lately? They are tech-fabulous.) We had all agreed to be respectful, since there were people in the room rooting for both sides. As it turned out, nothing too scandalous was reported by the time class let out at 7 pm. Everyone could walk out tentatively believing their candidate still had a chance.

I met Jon, Zephyr, and Jubilee, who had bussed to campus so we could continue together to the big event- an election night soiree at Monika's. I don't know Monika, her husband, or her two-year-old son very well yet, although I hope to. I did know that I was very much looking forward to spending election night with them and their other guests, whoever they might be. Monika possesses all the qualities I desire most in a friend- a playful sense of humor, the willingness to to be shockingly honest, and a similar parenting style. ("This is where Luke pretends to sleep," she motioned towards the crib as she gave the house tour.)

We brought Hoho cake, of course, and set it on the counter, deciding to slice it when Obama's electoral votes reached 240. I surprised myself by accepting a glass of sangria. I swore off alcohol a few years ago after one too many alcohol-induced tummy aches. But somehow, it seemed like a night for blurring the edges. I had a few glasses, and suffered no ill effects. Must have been the magic of the night.

Monika has a wonderful great room, and mostly we ambled around, standing in front of the TV for a few minutes, engaging in lively discussions with new acquaintances, following Jubilee when she demanded it. I met Wayne, who knows godfather Alan, and told me a story of them bumping into each other a few years ago in London. Abe was also there, and we talked about baking. "I was Martha Stewarting the other day, and realized I am missing one of her books," he said, exposing me to a new verb. It wasn't a night of picture perfect parenting, that's for sure. Zephyr was elbow-deep in a potato chip bag for longer than I care to mention, and Jubilee begged for a sip of my sangria so relentlessly that I finally poured just enough into her cup of water to give it a little color.

And so things continued. We dug in, preparing for a long night of revelry and watchfulness. Shortly after 9, we heard a big cheer from the folks near the TV. I rushed over, expecting to see that they had called a battleground state for Obama. To my immense surprise, instead there was a picture of Obama, with the caption "44th President of the United States." We looked at each other in wide-eyed disbelief. But there it was. You know. You saw it, too.

We hugged, kissed, cheered, and passed out Hoho cake. We forked it in as we listened to McCain's intelligent, gracious, and at times pity-inducing concession speech. Then, the big moment, when Obama came out for his address. I looked around at the people in the room. Carrie was sitting on the floor in front of Char, looks of jubilant intensity on their faces. Monika nursed Luke across the room from me, as I nursed Jubilee. Zephyr finally got comfortable and fell asleep on Jon's lap. When Obama mentioned equal rights for everyone, naming gays and lesbians in his list, I was especially moved. I couldn't help but think about how 50 years ago, even 20 years ago, no one would have believed it. Several gay and lesbian folks were in the room with us, and I wondered how it felt to them to be named. I'll have to remember to ask.

We really were prepared for the long haul.
We had brought the kids' pajamas and everything.

Although we were out late, Jon and I were both wide awake at 5 am the next day. We opened the blinds to watch the day dawn. You don't have to remind me that Obama is not the Messiah; I know. (A work associate asked Jon yesterday for reassurance that Obama is not the Antichrist. He easily gave it.) But this is the first presidential win in my adult life that I feel great about. I am optimistic, hopeful, giddy, even. And I'm gonna let it shine.