Dreaming

On this, the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, I begin to wonder if any of his dreams came true. I suppose in the last forty-four years there has been some progress in human relations, but there’s still a long road ahead. I appreciate the fact that there are so many service projects occurring today, in place of just a day off. Yet, I still look around and see such a need for improvement.

I explained once how I had my students work on service projects on this day, and I would hope that seed has blossomed into their wanting to continue that work. I know I want to share in the volunteerism that’s occurring, but physically I’m not much help. I can’t stand/walk for any length of time, I can hardly lift/move things, and I can’t do chores. So what do I have to offer?

Well, I have my smile, and maybe that’s all someone needs to see today – a tired clerk in the store, a nurse who’s concerned about her patients, a worker in fear of losing a job. So, I’ll turn it on. At my mother’s healthcare facility, there are so many residents who never have company. Perhaps their family is all gone, or the relatives live far away, or worse yet, just forgot the poor old soul. Most of their minds are gone and they have lost touch with reality, but there’s still a life there, a person who once lived as we do. I need to be some sort of beacon for these folks – greeting them, smiling, telling them something pleasant. That’s really all I have to offer. I need to focus on being appreciative, as well. So many people show such kindness to me, and I need to acknowledge that. Not just a flippant “Thanks,” and move on, but a heartfelt statement of gratitude.

It doesn’t seem like much when others are out there building, cleaning, repairing, feeding, and involving themselves in all sorts of worthwhile projects; however, it’s all I have. So, I’ll try to help in a small way, in my own little corner of the world, and maybe Dr. King’s dream will go on.

Peace,
Muff