Bucket List - Another One Done

Many people have their own bucket list.  Mine isn't too long, but it grows over time as I think of different things I want to add.  Last year, Melissa helped me fulfill one of the biggest items on my bucket list...skydiving.  It was the most exhilarating experience and I found that I immediately wanted to do it again after my feet were safely on the ground.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that Sean and Megan will come out to Vegas and we can go skydiving together as it truly is such a memorable experience.

On Wednesday, October 24, I was able to check another item off my bucket list.  I have always thought it would be neat to meet the President of the United States.  However, it was never a strong desire until I helped place Barack Obama in office back in 2008.  President Obama has been an inspirational figure for me, and millions of Americans.  Because of him, there are children that tell me they want to be President too.  Before Barack Obama, I had never heard a single student tell me they wanted to be the President, but he has inspired children that the office is not limited to just white men.  I fondly remember the election night in 2008 when Melissa and I sat on our couch watching Barack Obama come out to an enormous crowd in Chicago and give his acceptance speech.  I fought hard to fight back the lump in my throat because it was such an emotionally exciting moment.

Well, while at church I received a message from the Obama for America campaign that President Obama would be visiting Las Vegas that coming Wednesday (we live in a swing state).  I asked Melissa if she minded me going and she encouraged me.  We immediately went and picked up my ticket (after church) and I waited patiently for the day to come.  A good friend of mine asked if she could join and I was happy to not attend solo.  We picked up her daughter and headed to the location.  After waiting 3 hours in line we were able to enter the park where the rally was being held.  One of my fondest memories of the night was when Tracy and I stepped out of line to grab some soul food because we were so hungry (and I needed to use the restroom).  We ordered some fried catfish, fries, and fried okra (I hadn't had okra in over 20 years).  Shortly after finding a good spot we were entertained with a live performance by Katy Perry and then 20 minutes later a dream was fulfilled.  President Obama walked out onto the stage and spoke to us.  It was everything I had hoped it would be and I was filled with pride as I stood their on my tiptoes listening to him share his dream for our nation's future.  I was just one of the 13,000 people in attendance.

I do not know what will happen with this year's election, but I will always remember that moment, especially because there is the possibility that it could be his last visit to Las Vegas as the President of the United States.  Now I need to figure out some new bucket list ideas other than getting a Doctoral degree in the future.