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Few people were there that early-morning after President Obama’s re-election; it was about 5:45 when Bubba shuffled into the lobby. Bubba, after getting a cup-o-coffee sat at the “table of intelligence” and said – “well I hope you’re happy – Obama’s back so we’ll face four more years of job losses, more bailouts and borrowed debt, and most of all we’ll have to look at his arrogance” after a short breath he continued – “man he’s just dumb, not even an American.” Not at all surprised with his rant – I leaned on the counter and responded – “Yes I am happy – happy to be an American, to live in the arms of freedom, to know hundreds of millions cared enough to vote. President Obama isn’t dumb Bubba and his past four years have pushed this country out of the path of deep-recession.” Bubba replied – “guess we’ll have to wait four more years until he’s out then we can move ahead.” Sorry Bubba that won’t work – Congress tried that for the past three years. It’s now time for all of us to wake up and lift up America.

I love America – especially her concept of individual freedom – the sacredness of equality, and the absolute acceptance of these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (and woman) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Without doubt Bubba rests in the arms of partisan-politic, limited education related to truth, and most sadly – his concept of unalienable rights lays centered first in self and waist-deep in intolerant prejudice. Come on Bubba it’s time to take a deep breath and drop the angst of politic – let’s take advantage of the next four years. Instead of relying on Fox, newspapers or CNN to reveal what lies in the path of this administration returning America to the “top” we must face the unbiased truth and personally participate in the process.

We can start by staying in touch with our federal, state and local representatives, research issues including opinions from all sides. Most importantly - all of us must consider the “other” before the “self.” If everyone cared more about those who surround them we would “live” the incredibly majestic intent of our constitution: equality of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Where could we be if we embraced gender equality, if we realized there is only one race and it’s human, if who we love brought us into the arms of peace and compassion instead of bigotry, and if our greatest concern wasn’t wealth and power rather it lay at the feet of our children? Perhaps I ponder too much – for these concepts have been beyond the reach of humankind for thousands of years – none-the-less, these concepts (equality of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) lay just in front of us – within our reach.

In a few weeks I’ll install my flagpole in the heart of my memorial garden. I will raise the flag of my country and it’ll remain over my home-land throughout the day and night. I’ll honor my flag; its stars representing the union of our land, its white-stripes the purity of our sacred concepts, and its red-stripes exalting the sacrifice of a multitude ensuring she remains held-high. Surrounding this place of honor will be engraved memorial stones – they will read: Dalton & Hunkele, Baker & Worthington, Friends & Family and a special stone dedicated with these words “In memory of those who have sacrificed for equality, liberty and peace”.

Obviously I’m embraced in the arms of emotion so just a final thought: if I pass you without smile, gentle greeting or an expression of my concern – gently stand in front of me and whisper – “I’m here” – or simply “call out my name”. I’ll be there.