So much joy

| 2:39 am EDT August 2, 2024
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I saw skyrockets. It was a little before midnight. President Biden and VP Harris were on the tarmac, waiting for the hostages to come home. So much joy on that tarmac! Indeed, lately, there has been a never-ending cup of joy, coming at odd and reflective moments, filling us up. But this — this was special.

Families were there. Friends were there. We were there, in spirit, watching in awe and with bated breath. I saw skyrockets. The night was all in colors, in celebration, awash in bright hues, utterly resplendent. The plane began its triumphant descent. Jubilation leaped from that tarmac into the view of the people who watched.

Paul Whelan. How brave he’s been! He descended that plane to applause. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. “Hey, boss,” he said to the chief of the Wall Street Journal. Yes, many reporters were there to welcome him home.

Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. Biden and Harris hugged ALL of them. Oh, the hugs. It’s the kind of night that will live on for centuries. We watched, hearts swelling with love and pride as mothers embraced children, children embraced parents, coworkers embraced coworkers.

I saw skyrockets. I saw them blazing with pride and with exultation and with love. I was riveted, as I’m certain anyone who watched was. It felt like a nightmare had come to an end. It felt like a long, cold journey ending with the oh-so-tender and warm touch of humility.

Pinned. Biden. Biden was there. The hour was now after midnight, and Biden was there, energetic and oh-so-NOT senile. Selfies were taken. Cheers rang out. A pin was gifted. Biden has worn this precious American flag pin on his lapel for a long time. But on this night of skyrockets, the pin was given to someone else.

It was given to Paul Whelan, gifted to him from our President. I’m sure a tear rolled down the faces of — many, including this writer. Biden BEING Biden went into the plane to thank the flight crew. Of COURSE, he did.

If we could have frozen that moment in time, like when one hits pause on a TV show, it would have been lovely, only to relive it once again. I have seen much. But nothing like this. For they were home. Once again, Biden had done the seemingly impossible. Once again, VP Harris, along with Biden, had worked a miracle.

I saw skyrockets. I saw them leaping over the tarmac, as families, made whole again wept with joy, as our President and Vice president stood courageously, as so very MANY of us, millions of us all, felt the pride of being from the greatest nation of all, America.