my feet are tired, but my spirit is refreshed - notes from DC rally

[suffragette]

I am so glad I was able to go to DC and take part in the rally.
Now that I'm back, I want to share some random thoughts from the days and about the days to come, random because I am still processing it all.

My feet are tired.
They're tired from walking to Lafayette Park for the 1st rally, standing during that rally, marching to the next rally, standing there for much of the day, then walking (with metro rides in between) some more through part of DC to get to Kramerbooks for much needed refreshment and internet connection then on to RFD's for the meet-up. They're also tired from the walk I took the next day - more on that later.

My spirit is refreshed.
I'm glad I walked and stood in DC on Jan 6th with so many amazing people. My feet may hurt today, but there were people on the 6th who were in physical pain all day, yet stayed there to show their support and to encourage our representatives to stand. I realize many people are disappointed that more Senators did not stand, but I won't soon forget the moment when it was announced that Barbara Boxer did. It was electric and powerful and we shared it together, both the people who were at the rally, those in the session and those watching on CSpan and on the net.

Partway through day, some of us went to get food and find a restroom :)
We went to Union Station. We were still wearing our orange ribbons, buttons, stickers and carrying our signs. As we went to different stands to get lunch, people in line and behind the counters asked us why we had these. We talked to them about the issue and process and something quite amazing began to take place. 99.99% of those we talked to and those who made comments in passing were supportive. This happened for the rest of the day and throughout our journey back to the rally, on the metro to Kramerbooks, at Kramerbooks, and on the Metro and the street on our way to meet-up at DA's RFD. Young people, old people, people from the states and from other countries - all interested in the issue and just needing that invitation (our signs, buttons and orangewear) to come talk to someone about it. I do not know what the outcome of this will be, but it was clear that the discussions we had throughout the day both connected us and spread the information further.

The meet-up was great. Big hugs to all :grouphug:
Huge thanks to williampitt for suggesting it and bettyellen for naming the time and place.

The next day I had time before my flight. I had been thinking of going to the Smithsonian, but those darned feet of mine carried me to the Lincoln Memorial instead. I approached it from the side. There are state names inscribed on the outside of the building. I happened to approach the side on which Ohio was inscribed. Inside, as I looked at the careworn expression of Lincoln and read the Gettysburg Address, I felt part of the continuum of people who have stood up for their beliefs. It's not a short process, nor an easy one, but it is worthwhile.