GENEROSITY

GENEROSITY OF FREEDOM

"I believe in America because in it we are free—

free to choose our government, to speak our minds,

to observe our different religions.

Because we are generous with our freedom, we share

our rights with those who disagree with us.

Because we hate no people and covet no people's lands.

Because we are blessed with a natural and varied abundance.

Because we have great dreams and because we have the

opportunity to make those dreams come true."

Wendell L[ewis] Willkie  1892-1944

January 4, 2000

Last night I dreamed the strangest dream.  I was walking in the hall of my highschool when I saw the coach of the boys football team coming towards me.  I thought to myself, ”Whatever could he want.”  When he got to me he said, “Maria, you were supposed to have showed up at practice yesterday.  Where were you?  I expected to see you there today.”

I didn’t go.  I thought, “What is this all about?  I’m a girl.”

Then it was homecoming day and everyone was excited.  I started thinking that maybe they need me on the team.  Maybe I can help in some way.  So that night, I went to the locker room and there was a locker with my name plate engraved in gold on it.  I somehow knew the combination and opened the locker.  Inside was a uniform with the number 1 on the back and cleats on the floor.  I put the uniform on as quickly as I could.  There was no one else in the locker room.  They were already on the field, ready for the game.  The uniform felt like I had worn it my whole life.  I ran out the locker room doors and directly onto the football field.  Someone in the stands yelled my name and everyone’s head turned towards me.  Then they all stood up and started yelling my name.

“Maria, Maria, Maria.”

I waved up at them exhaltant and a little fearful because I had no idea what they expected from me.  When I got to the benches the coach looked up and said, ” Sit over here with the first team, Maria.  I’m glad you made it.”

He turned and walked up and down in front of the team on the benches saying, ”This changes everything.  Now that Maria is here we’re going to win this game.  Maria you take the quarter back position.  Here’s a list of plays that we’ve been working on.”

He handed me a notebook full of plays.  As I turned the pages I recognized every play and knew what to do if the play was called.  Suddenly, the coach clapped his hands and we all ran out on the field.  We were receiving.  I lined up at the 5 yard line ready to return the ball.  The kickoff was extremely high.  I watched the ball float out of the sky straight towards me.  Before I caught the ball I looked up to see the other team collapsing on me like a net.  I pulled the ball into my arms and started zigging and zagging down the field to a touchdown.  The whole game went that way.  At the end of the game the crowd stood up and cheered while the football team carried me off the field.

I know what the dream means.  It means that to be a hero you only have to try.  I need to be a hero for my family.  Whatever Len is up to, it is because he feared for his family.  That is who he was.  A man who would protect his family at all costs.  Now, it’s my job.

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Copyright © 1993 - 2010 Philip Regenie, All Rights Reserved