under my umbrella

Dear Soulmate,

Alas, my favorite time of day; when I can sit down at my computer and its just you and me. Although I strongly dislike the impersonality of Facebook, MySpace and other online social networks, I somehow find writing to you on this level exceptionally intimate. I feel so close to you when I write these letters.

As I read the newspaper headlines today I couldn’t help but think that if one man successfully found a way to finally unite the nation across racial lines, then I will one day find a way to you. Anything is possible.

This afternoon I would have loved nothing more than sitting in a cafe with you talking about politics over coffee while watching the rain fall. Perhaps later we could have sat at a cozy bar someplace where the glow of candles reflect off the polished mahogany counter and laughter resonates over relaxing music.

As the days draw shorter and the weather colder, I feel less inclined to pass my time outdoors. On days like today when the wind shakes wet leaves from their trees and sends them to stick to the sidewalks, I feel autumn quickly slipping away, and I am powerless to stop it.

The thought of you walking down the sidewalk with me under an umbrella, laughing and jumping in puddles, instills in me that warmth and beauty of summer that I long for all year long.

And so I watch as the seasons change while I walk alone under my umbrella, wondering where winter will find ourselves.

All my love, R

the view from the city upon a hill

Dear Soulmate,

There has never been a more awe-inspiring, wondrous time to be an American than now. Never before in my lifetime has an election drawn as much coverage, attention and people than last night’s spectacle. Anyone watching or participating will agree that last night was more than politics.

There is something to be said for the crowds that poured into Grant Park in Chicago, something to be said for the people who stood outside the White House, cheering and waving the American flag. Never before in my life has American sentiment been so beautifully displayed.

Last night was much more than politics.

As the American flags adorned the stage behind the newly elected 44th president of the United States, waves of patriotism were reignited when each flag unfolded its stars and stripes once more into the winds of change.

Nothing has given me more pride today than unfolding the newspapers, crossing one of Boston’s busier one way streets, switching subway lines, smiling at the woman behind the counter who handed me my coffee, all while being an American.

I feel like standing upon the hill of my own great city, where the American story all began, and declaring, “Look at me, world, here I am.”

The challenges this country will endure in the next few years are vast, the struggles and the difficulties spread far and wide. I am, however, confident in the nation’s ability to meet these obstacles with civility and honor. I am confident in this country to ease partisanship and promote unity, with the grace and wisdom to know the consequences of these differences.

For me, the meaning of last night’s election exceeding my expectations. For a long time I have held great fascination for John Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity” speech that led me to pry open history books; recreating America’s story through words from all angles; economic, political, cultural, and moral perspectives.

The history of the United States, I realize, is a romantic story. It starts with the dream, a vision, of a land of freedom, liberty and equality. It starts with the people.

It starts with Paul Revere riding into Lexington, Mass. It starts with John Adams advocating independence in Boston courtrooms. It starts with Benjamin Franklin using newspapers as an agent for change in Boston’s financial district. It starts with the people.

I cannot express how meaningful last night was for me to witness the newly elected president restore in me that feeling of true patriotism that I always felt only belonged in history books; to the heroes of American history in the late 18th century.

Last night was so much more than politics. It was about the people and our fearless story of returning to our founding principles that set us apart:

“For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us” – John Winthrop, 1630

Love, R

you’ve got my vote

Dear Soulmate,

Today has been as beautiful as I have anticipated; warm, sunny and ideal for hosting an election. Right now I am sitting anxiously in front of the T.V. awaiting the verdict that I know will not be reached until well into the evening.

I am so full of happiness today, caught somewhere in between love and hope, or perhaps tangled up in both. I always find that on these days my energy is contagious. There is nothing better than being that positive agent of change. I know this because my day has often been turned around by someone’s simple smile or act of kindness.

I miss you today, but in a joyful, enthusiastic way.  I miss you because I cannot be with you right now to share my excitement for tonight’s events. I wish I could make you smile as we sit and watch the major news networks unfold history.

You’ve got my vote,

Love, R