The Cool-Ray Man

Written: January 23, 2009

Tuesday was just one of those days. Not the kind where everything went wrong. Actually, the kind where everything went right. No guns. No shots. No mobs. No arrests. Not anything more than the newest march on Washington.

Like most of the US, I decided to stay home and watch the coverage CNN and ABC style. I woke-up, showered, dressed and sat down in my favorite chair to watch Anderson Cooper, Charlie Gibson, Diane Sawyer and Soledad O’Brien weigh-in. I saw the flub-up with Chief Justice Roberts. I even saw Aretha’s hat. How could you miss it?! Obama began his speech and addressed what I believe to be a changed nation.

Something went right that lunch hour, and I sum it up in an exchange we had with the Cool-Ray Heating and Air service man:
He had to interrupt my dad during the address, so he could sign some paperwork approving the maintenance. He apologized profusely for interrupting, but he had too many houses that day and needed to be off. As he was walking out, he turned and asked my father and I if we had voted for the new President. (As an aside, I am often used to defending my Democratic ideals in suburban Atlanta.) I carefully said, “I voted for him.” My dad turned and repeated the same. And then Change came. The Cool-Ray Man (Tim) smiled and echoed, “So did I.” “I’m hoping he fixes the economy.” With that, he turned and walked upstairs. I shouted after him, “Let’s see what happens in the next four years.” He shouted in reply, “I’m hoping for eight!”

Tuesday was just one of those days…