I started out with a goal of finishing my website. Kinda stopped in 2019. Job shut down. Pandemic had us in the house for nearly two years. It was slow coming back out again.

But damn! I could run around the city taking pictures of everything that delighted me. Picked up where I left off. Family thought I had some ambition of being a photographer. That was not it. I just liked taking pictures of things. It helped to notice things I would otherwise ignore, step over, pass by, you know. Then I found out I could pick a subject and photograph more of it – buildings, benches, flowers, monuments, statues, and of course, since I have a huge family – always folk to take a picture of.

Somewhere along, I lost track. I lost focus. The summers became too hot. Found myself running up and down I-95 for family stuff. I lost track. This year was one of those times, until…Vice President Kamala Harris ran for President. For the first time in a long time, excitement, energy, joy, and plain ole “let me help” became a part of my life.

I signed on as one of the virtual volunteers. Took the workshops. Spread some of that joy and energy to family (they were already on board). My big sis helped direct my volunteer work. We were “Joyful workers” and it was “good work.” I must have watched the DNC convention at least four or five times. I watched every speech I could catch! All of it!

Although I sensed nervousness on election day, I was still hopeful. My family and I were planning for the inauguration of President Harris. My love for all things National Mall increased. Any family member needed a tour…I gotcha. Had my list of places to photograph all worked out for the duration. It was going to be wonderful, beautiful, exciting, as well as historic. I was so proud of the city, and so proud of this country.

And the next day.

It took some time to sink in. I am so thankful for all of the people that broadcast how to cope, particularly folk like journalists Joy Reid and Jacque Reid. I logged on to Bluesky and found more encouraging information.

But ultimately, I found myself a bit sadder. The opportunity we missed, the joy we could have, and the better nation we could be – just held on to me. I had to let go.

So, I am back here. Neglected website. Starting over. Gotta find my way, once again. Wherever Vice President Harris is – God Bless Her. It was joyful, and now I know it’s possible.