The elections are over and I am not happy with my country and the world right now. It’s time to rake the leaves again. It seems that there are more leaves than ever. I feel overwhelmed with homework. The day is mild. The wind storms have blown almost all the leaves off the trees. But there are still brilliant vignettes of color to enjoy.
The three girls, my neighbor friends come running. “Hello Linda, hello Linda.” Despite all my flaws, real or imagined, they are always happy to see me. They love me. They are with me on the south side of my patio overlooking the lake.
As I rake the leaves they tell me their sweet stories. Life is pure for them. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and they look out over the sparkling lake and say, “You can see the flag!” I look up to see the scene. The American flag flies over the lakeside park grass, against the bright blue sky and sparkling, sparkling water, reflecting the colors of fall. The three girls standing in front of me put their hands over their hearts and begin to sing. “Oh tell me, can you see the light of the early dawn—–” I stand with them so touched by their innocence as they sing the song of our countries. They love their flag and they love their country. I am moved to tears by this moment in time. And I realize, no matter what is going on in my country, whether I agree or disagree. This is my homeland. I will love him as a mother loves her child. And I will try to make a difference.