So happy you and Karlie were there. Such an uplifting day—the Knicks in the morning, the Obama Presidential Center midday and “Hairspray” at the Muny to close out our day! Such a hopeful day💕
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute! I’m a proud Chicagoan and was in Grant Park for the 2008 victory speech. I also thought it was the beginning of a new era, only to see the pendulum swing and feel the heaviness of regression. I think the opening of Obama’s Presidential Center is a concrete reminder that hope isn’t dormant. Appreciate your notes on the day!
Thank you for reading, Rachel! The rise of the MAGA movement showed that there were many people who didn’t feel the same level of optimism. But I was buoyed by the idea that there are people trying to bring people together again, and stop driving them apart. Also, they looked great! 😜🇺🇸❤️
I don't like the feeling of jealousy, but oh wow, I wish I had the opportunity to be there and witness such a beautiful ceremony. What decency looks like, what real leadership is. How much I miss having capable, smart and humble leaders running this country. I miss the Obamas so much.
It was worth the trip, that’s for sure. Thanks for reading, Natalia! It was nice to be under the Obama spell again, and I remain optimistic that we’ll find another similarly positive and unifying leader soon
Gahhh - I am committing the sin of envy as I read this .. so jealous you got to be there. I attended a presentation about the Center at Chicago Art Expo .. so inspirational in every way .. as you so deftly recount … appreciate you letting us in on the inside ! PS so curious to know which hotel you stay when in Chicago and did you get an RL fix ?
Hi Elizabeth! It was an incredible day… and believe it or not, I flew there at 6am and flew back that night, so didn’t spend the night! So, today I’m feeling sunburned and sleep deprived. Ha
Reading this from Australia it is a balm for my troubled soul that is saddened and shocked on a daily basis by what is happening in your country. Truly an uplifting and glorious celebration.
Like you, I have hope that the political pendulum will swing back to the intelligence and decency of the Obama era. I'm in Europe on a self-imposed news blackout, but I did see Michelle Obama's speech. I was moved and nostalgic for leadership rooted in kindness and truth. Quite a contrast to last week's cage match. Keeping the hope that good will prevail. Thanks for this report, it sounds like an amazing day, despite the sunburn.
I have zero to no FOMO left in my life except for this exceptional day. What a proud day for America. So happy you got to experience it first-hand. Where was your trusty baseball cap when you needed it! Always wear sunscreen (I'm sure your mom agrees with me on that!). XOX
Derek - Thank you for making me feel like I was there with you. I am so sorry I had to miss. We need a proper catch up as it has been too long. Also - your kids are so big.... My baby just graduated high school and is living his best life in Barcelona right now and off to Rome tomorrow:)
Proud of you, the example you set, and the man that you are!!
Aww shucks, Nick! ❤️🇺🇸
So happy you and Karlie were there. Such an uplifting day—the Knicks in the morning, the Obama Presidential Center midday and “Hairspray” at the Muny to close out our day! Such a hopeful day💕
Thanks for reading, MOM!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute! I’m a proud Chicagoan and was in Grant Park for the 2008 victory speech. I also thought it was the beginning of a new era, only to see the pendulum swing and feel the heaviness of regression. I think the opening of Obama’s Presidential Center is a concrete reminder that hope isn’t dormant. Appreciate your notes on the day!
Thank you for reading, Rachel! The rise of the MAGA movement showed that there were many people who didn’t feel the same level of optimism. But I was buoyed by the idea that there are people trying to bring people together again, and stop driving them apart. Also, they looked great! 😜🇺🇸❤️
I don't like the feeling of jealousy, but oh wow, I wish I had the opportunity to be there and witness such a beautiful ceremony. What decency looks like, what real leadership is. How much I miss having capable, smart and humble leaders running this country. I miss the Obamas so much.
It was worth the trip, that’s for sure. Thanks for reading, Natalia! It was nice to be under the Obama spell again, and I remain optimistic that we’ll find another similarly positive and unifying leader soon
I hope 🤞🏼 so Derek!
Gahhh - I am committing the sin of envy as I read this .. so jealous you got to be there. I attended a presentation about the Center at Chicago Art Expo .. so inspirational in every way .. as you so deftly recount … appreciate you letting us in on the inside ! PS so curious to know which hotel you stay when in Chicago and did you get an RL fix ?
Hi Elizabeth! It was an incredible day… and believe it or not, I flew there at 6am and flew back that night, so didn’t spend the night! So, today I’m feeling sunburned and sleep deprived. Ha
Thanks Derek , nice piece. 💎🌟🍀😘
Hi Carlos! Thank you for reading. I love seeing you in here!
Love this report! Keep ‘em coming!
Reading this from Australia it is a balm for my troubled soul that is saddened and shocked on a daily basis by what is happening in your country. Truly an uplifting and glorious celebration.
I had forgotten what hope felt like! It was nice.
So moving, Derek!!! I appreciated each and every word. Love your dignity... and a sunburn for this purpose feels completely fitting. xo
Oh, and the Sunburn salve is.... to take an ibuprofen, cool bath, apply aloe, drink water.... (stop the inflammation and lock in moisture)
OMG! Thank you, Dr. Mellin!
Love this! The opening, her speech, the suits, Oprah, it all felt deeply nourishing.
WE NEEDED THIS
Love all of this. How fortunate to have experienced the event and its moments. And your share provides some reassurance that we all need.
Now, Derek, don’t even leave the bathroom in the morning without applying facial sunscreen!!!!!! C’mon, man!!
I THOUGHT IT WAS GONNA RAIN!!!! Hahaha, but don’t worry, lesson learned.
Like you, I have hope that the political pendulum will swing back to the intelligence and decency of the Obama era. I'm in Europe on a self-imposed news blackout, but I did see Michelle Obama's speech. I was moved and nostalgic for leadership rooted in kindness and truth. Quite a contrast to last week's cage match. Keeping the hope that good will prevail. Thanks for this report, it sounds like an amazing day, despite the sunburn.
Thank you for reading, Jolain! I always try to give myself a newsblock, but I can’t help myself.
What an incredible experience Derek!! Bring back shame is RIGHT!
The Era of Shamelessness
I have zero to no FOMO left in my life except for this exceptional day. What a proud day for America. So happy you got to experience it first-hand. Where was your trusty baseball cap when you needed it! Always wear sunscreen (I'm sure your mom agrees with me on that!). XOX
I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO RAIN!!!! Ha. But I learned my lesson. (And yes, it was FOMO worthy, Anne, ha.)
Derek - Thank you for making me feel like I was there with you. I am so sorry I had to miss. We need a proper catch up as it has been too long. Also - your kids are so big.... My baby just graduated high school and is living his best life in Barcelona right now and off to Rome tomorrow:)
SHARI, MY FRIEND! What a treat to find you in here. You would have been proud and inspired in Chicago… 💙
Excellent post Derek❤️
Thank you for reading, Julie!