Uplifting Day

This day turned out to be as typical as it was unusual. It started out with my train going out of service three stops from where I got on and I had to go about fifteen more stops. As we all unloaded onto the narrow platform I thought about being late for work and positioning myself near the door to ensure that I would be able to get on the train. Well when the train came I got on and got a seat, my day was taking a twist because on the last train I was standing. I sat down and closed my eyes and started to doze off.

When I opened my eyes I was underground and standing before me was a lady wearing an Obama button. It was just a round blue background with “OBAMA” typed across it. I was shocked and I couldn’t hold back the smile. I glanced around the train to see if I saw anymore Obama buttons, this was unusual for me because I don’t usually see politics paraphernalia on the subway and I live in New York. Here only business is on the mind, and we trek to work in a daily grind without even noticing. You would think with our reputation we would be more expressive, breaking out their “Obama” signs all over the place, but I had never seen anyone else since the primaries or even before wearing any kind of political signage on the subway.

Well anyway, I kept staring at her button and smiling, then the person next to me got up and I scooted over to ensure she would get the seat. Now she an older white lady, and me a younger African-Jamaican, were supporting the same candidate. I said to her “you know, you’re the first person I’ve seen wearing an Obama button,” she said “really” and then the young lady setting beside her leaned over and joined in saying “yeah, I was going to ask you where you got it” I couldn’t help but chuckle inside. I showed them my shirt that I brought for a co-worker and we commenced to discuss all the activities around town that will be showing support for Obama over the weekend, making signs and buttons. Turns out the button lady will be in Philadelphia on the 20th and I will be going down on the 19th. We were both so excited to have a candidate who was bringing out the positive in people.

I felt so uplifted after this encounter I could not wait to write and share it with you, but those of you in here already know what Obama is doing in America and around the world. He is bringing strangers, cultures and genders together. After this experience on the train I went to work and found that my sign and my buttons I order last week arrived. I smiled again, another Obama influenced moment. I put my sign up at my desk and handed out the buttons that I bought for my co-workers. They were very excited to get their “Obama stuff”. As I have written before I am not an American so I cannot vote in the upcoming general election. I really do not have any regrets because I know I am trying my best to do my part and influence as many votes as possible.

This is my support for Obama, by promoting his values, and blueprint for change, getting people excited and on board with this movement.

Tomorrow I will call Fred an older white man that I met while standing on line getting lunch one day, he told me he liked my button and said he wanted a button, I tried to direct him to the internet but he brushed that off. It was then that I realized many older people who support Obama are not comfortable with the new technology so it is up to the younger generation to help them get their information and “stuff”. I told Fred I would get him a button. I called him today but he only comes in on Wednesdays, imagine that. I can’t wait to call him tomorrow and give him his button. Then I came home and wrote this blog and I am just smiling as I write it. Thanks Obama, for allowing us to be free again, to not be afraid to talk to each other.