Oh, Say, Does That Star-Spangled Banner Still Wave?

There's a flag flying in front of our house for the first time ever.

I gave Dave a chance to talk me down from the ledge. Veto power over my impulse. His response?

"You should show your excitement!" (Is it any wonder I married the guy?)

It's there because, for the first time ever, I can say I'm proud to be an American. Not just thankful to be born in a privileged country with the highest standard of living in the world. Not because I live in one of the most beautiful and bounteous parts of that country. But because we have a new president who represents hope with a big helping of optimism, tinged with the sober realism of the work we have to do together. One who sees in the rest of the world a chance for peace and partnership rather than a threat to our way of life or an opportunity for exploitation.

In the past, Old Glory hasn't been representative of my feelings about my country. But now I want to say, "I'm on board!" when it comes to helping solve the daunting crises facing us. And so there it is, waving in the wind, symbolic of a new beginning and opportunities being born. Long may it wave.