Ruffles and Flourishes

There's no denying that yesterday, Inauguration Day, was an iconic example of why America is great. Sounds so kitschy at times..."Ain't America great?" The process, the actual process, of not just electing leaders but watching them segue to power is fascinating. It makes us unique. It makes us a role model. It makes us, well, great. I love America and so I don't mind being boastful.

"The peaceful transfer of power". That's a term that saturated the airwaves and cyber waves for a few weeks following the election. Then it napped for a bit and resurfaced a week or so ago like a prologue to the Inaugural. It's true. The peaceful transfer of power is a pretty remarkable thing but this time around, there was another component which isn't inscribed anywhere. It isn't mandated by law. And in a few cases, it simply hasn't happened. I'm speaking of The Classy Transfer of Power.

Administrations are such a complex mix of the methodical and the personal. Certain components of an administration exist and go about their business regardless of who is at the helm. But each administration has it's own personal touch. Whatever you say about this outgoing administration, most specifically, it's top two stewards, you won't say they weren't a class act. That, to me, is a testament to the kind of people they are; more so than any policy The President tried to push or any strategy he tried to craft. Staying above the fray, especially in Washington, DC, is a tough thing to pull off. President and Mrs. Bush did this with the same seamless and effortless perfection that the Marines and Air Force land Marine One and Air Force One.

I've mentioned this before. I had the privilege of serving President and Mrs. Bush for years; first in Austin in the Governor's Office, along the way on campaigns, in The White House, and then beyond as a volunteer. On the list of things with which I've been blessed, working for the Bush family is up there. Obviously, it was a stand-alone awe-inspiring and amazing road. I'd be telling a bold face lie if I said that the whirlwind life didn't have an impact on me. It was a complete rush and at times, it was breathtaking. Not breathtaking like watching a sunset or viewing a piece of art. But breathtaking in the sense that I often found myself wondering how I ended up there and for a moment, it was so overwhelming that it was hard to breathe. Funny how life can be that powerful. In addition to all of this "breathtaking unplugged" thing that was going on, there is a different layer for me and that is, it wouldn't have been as powerful, as meaningful, and as personal had I done it for anyone else.

Watching the Bushes approach the transfer of power the way in which they did; it didn't teach me anything new. It wasn't an "A-ha" moment. It was exactly what I knew it would be, but that doesn't mean it didn't inspire me or didn't make me proud to have served them in the capacity in which I did.

I was in Waco, Texas last night when the Blue and White 747 brought my President and former boss home. I always loved the feeling of anticipation and comfort when I knew I was winging my way back home from some far-away land. It calmed me and settled me and yet it invigorated me at the same time. That's how President Bush looked last night. He looked proud and he looked relieved. I think the swagger and the sparkle will be back in no time.