Honorable Mayor Ivan Solis!

Yesterday Ivan Solis was sworn in as the Mayor of Culebra for the next four years. If a ceremony can be solemn yet joyful, with tears and laughter, without being sappy, this was a pretty perfect example.

The multi-purpose building was full and out the door. And the ceremony started within minutes of its 10:00 appointed time. I'm not sure I've ever seen that happen.

All the forms were followed, the anthems of Puerto Rico, America, and Culebra were played. A couple of the communities religious leaders exhorted and prayed. During one of those moments, the call to join in for a blessing of Ivan and his leadership was made. While I am not religious in an organized sense, there was great power in the arms of this community outstretched in unity, calling on a wiser, higher power to guide the leadership of Culebra.

Flanking Ivan were his appointed staffs. Their introductions brought rounds and rounds of applause and sometimes laughter, as so many people we all interact on a regular basis with were charged with tasks of leadership that, with many, seemed like the day had just been waiting for them to be there, for all of us.

Before the actual ceremony began (and before I learned to use the 'looking through glass' feature on the camera), Ivan and staff were in with the judge, doing whatever legal things transpire with investing a new mayor. All I know is the judge's robe had very pretty cuffs.

And then we got to the main event. 

Ivan's son introduced his father, with a little help from Mama

One of the most lovely moments, and there were more than a few of them, was Ivan, overwhelmed with emotion, and the community as one breaking into applause while he composed himself. There was no awkwardness, only love and support. When he was momentarily unable to speak as the judge began the swearing in, his wife came and joined him, a hand and heart of strength.

"I am not a traditional politician." And for that, we are very, very grateful!

It has been very obvious that this is a family who really like and enjoy each other, beyond love. The interaction between them radiates closeness to anyone watching, and we were.

Both the police and bomberos were represented. Ivan will have different sort fires to put out and will have his brothers support. That's a good feeling.

There was a whole lot of hugging going on.

While tables weighted with delicious homemade food awaited, I had to drag myself away to get some work done. There was an air in the street of optimism, and as a number of people said, it was the first political event they'd been to that left only great positive feelings rather than frustration and anger. For me, that's been 10 years, for others a lot longer.

Benjamin Disraeli said, "I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?" That is how yesterday, and all the days of struggle leading up to Ivan's election felt. He is of the people, by the people and for the people of Culebra, as well as protecting the sanctity of the island herself. A heavy burden, a hard task. Thank you, Ivan, as well as your family, for taking it on. We are here for you as well.

Have a  thoughtfully thankful Tuesday. Do something true.