I am bummed. Really bummed. It was too good to be true.
Over the weekend I receive email confirmation that I have a free ticket to the Democratic National Convention to hear Obama's acceptance speech in Charlotte on September 6th. I pay cash for my chartered bus ticket from Greenville SC to Charlotte NC (90 minutes). I show up on Tuesday of this week, the first day I can pick up my ticket. My name is on the list.
There is no ticket. Due to a major snafu at the state level of the Democratic party, not enough tickets were issued for our local group. I am stunned and bummed. What can I say. I swallow my disappointment and walk out the door.
A few seconds later I walk back in the door. I realize I need to be on a list if someone cancels. I ask them to create such a list. They do and put me at the top. Since a large majority did not receive tickets, reality tells me this is a lost cause. Yet I experience a funny feeling. I don't have to figure out how this will all come about. I just have to ask for the ticket if someone cancels.
Later that evening, I write out a small check to Obama's campaign and mail it the next day. It is my tangible commitment to the Universe that I'm for real.
During the day Wednesday, I briefly feel bummed again, then refocus. I imagine myself travelling on the bus to Charlotte, and sitting in the stands, watching my first real, live president in person. Strangely, I feel it's out of my hands and is taken care of, and I don't feel attached to the outcome.
Wednesday evening around 9pm I receive a phone call from a local organizer for the Democrats. She tells me that she just had a cancellation. Do I want the ticket? YES!! She has to have this ticket activated online before the midnight deadline that night. I give her the contact info she needs and I am officially credentialled!
Today I trek down to the local Democratic Headquarters, beaming as I walk in the door. They immediately hand me my ticket. This is better than going to Disney World!
Postscript: For my Republican (and Democratic) readers, this isn't really about politics. It's about remembering to ASK, and then letting go!
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