It started at 9am that Saturday with Cameron pounding on my bedroom door with the big announcement. Joe Biden was the 46th president of the United States.
In the next moment, Abby walked through the door blasting “FDT” while Cameron promptly exited promising celebratory mimosas. The day-long dance party began as we made our way downstairs for breakfast and drinks. “FDT” played on repeat for a while before we changed to “Doses and Mimosas” and “Party in the USA.” After many FaceTime calls, long scrolls on social media, and cap locked text messages to friends and family we decided we needed to get out of the house. Everyone bundled up, put their coffee in to-go cups, and packed into Paula’s car with Cameron at the wheel. Naturally, the ride began with “FDT” playing again but then we settled into chill indie beats for the joyfully reflective hour-long drive to our designated hike. At every Trump sign we passed we rolled down our windows and screamed at the top of our lungs in celebration of our success. The biggest presidential letdown in our lifetime was no more.
In an hour, we drove from Oregon fall into Oregon winter. The trees were dusted in snow and everything was peaceful except for my heartbeat as my day-long adrenaline rush held on. Our hike was snowy and cold but in the very best way. It was a day where you couldn’t help but have a smile plastered to your face. Did you see the celebratory videos in New York, DC, and Portland? There’s nothing like a solid win for democracy to make you appreciate nature amiright kids? We threw snowballs, took pictures, played categories, and saw two beautiful waterfalls. The tranquility of our landscape felt otherworldly. Was our country really headed for better things? Was the garbage finally being taken out at the White House? Nothing felt real. But I felt a sense of joy, hope, and peace as we escaped into nature for a few hours.
On the way home we stopped for takeout burgers and pulled pork sandwiches before getting home for the Duck’s first football game of the season. The heat was blasted, pillows stacked, and blankets pulled tight as I settled in for the night thanking God for such a glorious day for Americans.