Retrospective

I don't know what it is, but watching Presidential funerals gives me the chills.

Maybe it's the brute strength of the soldiers who have to carry the casket evenly down the 45 stairs of the U.S. Capitol building. Maybe it's hearing "Hail to the Chief" without seeing a President marching to the tune. Maybe it's seeing the Flag waving in that January Washington wind. Maybe it's watching dignitaries and politicians hobnob peacefully together in such a cut-throat environment. Maybe it's hearing the history of these men, of their administrations, and of the time they took office narrated in so many different ways. Maybe it's hearing the stories of these men, even though as Presidents they are placed on such high pedestals, that they are regular people, family guys and golfers and victims to those rather unique 70s fashion faux pas. Maybe it's realizing that in only thirty years, with all of the advancements and how far we've come as an American people, there are still so many similiarities politicially, economically, and socially. Maybe it's putting aside partisanship for one day, watching President Bush be a decent person. Whatever it is, whatever the reason, it's really an amazing thing - the outpouring of grief, support, and respect for our accidental President.

"If I am history, I hope at least it's history that is good."

On another end note, Steve Yzerman's number is going to the rafters tonight. To think I could have been there, being a part of history, watching one of the ending caps of a career of a hockey great. I haven't ushered all season and I don't regret it - not only did ushering ruin the Wings fan within me (hello burnout) but I'm also just past that stage in my life - and going from manager to usher is something I know I would have a hard time doing. Do I regret passing up the chance to be there in the Joe tonight? No. Will I be watching what is perhaps the only Red Wings game I will watch all regular season? You betcha. Make room on the DVR!