Martin Luther King Jr’s was murdered, on the day I turned one.  Little did my mother know, as she rocked me and watched the horror of the day – that the baby she held in her arms in the future, would marry a black man, and give birth to two beautiful intelligent girls.  Who grew up knowing the words  OF Dr. King.

I Have a Dream – its been said countless times over the decades since his death.  It is used in thousands of graduation speeches and inspirational talks.  His words gained strength and hope and made one pause to listen to them, breathe them in, and allow them to become part of ourselves.

I’m not sure why I’m so thoughtful this Monday morning.  I’m away from my family, taking care of another family’s home, possessions and beloved pets.  I’m allowed complete freedom – to enjoy the space and the luxuries within, including the internet, a pot of tea and a quiet place to sit and write till my hearts content.  It is glorious.

For some reason when I come to these homes, and care for these animals – time stops for me.  I can do what I wish, watch what I wish, write – well, I can do that and put to page anything I wish.  No matter what the views of others are.  It matters little to me.  I must write, every single day.  It is a part of me.

And yet, there are some thoughtful moments such as these, that I feel alone.  Not lonely per say, but alone.  In this house I am off the beaten path.  I haven’t seen a person in days, I’ve heard two cars go by and no airplanes, the phone hasn’t even rung once.  There is a calm of and inner peace as the  horses graze in the cold mist.  I’ve watched red tail hawks and white tail dear in this yard, like I watch sparrows and squirrels in my own. It is beautiful here – truly beautiful. Being alone is not frightening to me, it allows me the opportunity to wrap myself around the moments and simply be.

Was Martin Luther King Jr. able to not only see the beauty of this land, but actually enjoy it?

Did he take a quiet moment, sip tea, and just listen to the silence of the mornings? To simply be?

Did he write when he was alone, or could he write while the children played and argued, ran around or napped in his arms?

Did he ever think of the generations to come, who would take his words, his purpose and find a level of happiness he never knew?

I believe he did.

I do not think this great man would have been able to do what he did without having that anchor of himself, his God, his faith and family tucked neatly into his soul.  His heart beat for such a short time on this earth.  His spirit sang loudly, even when he was afraid.  He knew he was not going to see what he dreamed of.  Yet look at what has happened – the strides taken – those effected and affected by his words, spoken aloud on one day, in the place men and women fought so hard to build, and who continue to fight for and with each other to, hopefully, do what is right for this country.

But Dr. King was not speaking of just this country was he?  No.  I believe he was speaking to every one who lives on this earth.  I believe he spoke to each and every man, woman and child in every nation.  Waking up to the same sun I woke up to this morning, and will if it is meant to be wake up to again tomorrow.  I believe that is what he  wanted.  For everyone to have that freedom.  Can you imagine that?  World wide freedom.  World wide peace.  Now that is truly a dream.

Breathe Deep, Think Peace

Patty