Can You Hear Me Over There?

Freedom isn't Free, but It Is Worth the Investment

(in other words, a serious post for once)

I like this picture because it could either be darkness closing in on Liberty or a patch of light opening onto Liberty—or even Liberty creating a place of light among the darkness. And these are all ways we can see the state of our country most of the time. Are we a beacon of light to those far away? We are. But are we darkness for others? We are that too.

We started as a country yearning to be free from a power that taxed us but didn't allow us to speak for ourselves, and in some ways people still don't get their needs taken seriously—and it's hard to make sure we're heard in this huge country—but every July 4 we take a moment to remember many people fought (not just in 1776 but even today they are fighting) to make sure our voices are heard and respected. The rest is up to us—to share our voices whenever needed on behalf of not only ourselves, but also those whose needs are greater.

Dad will no doubt have lots of historical information he can give you on the search for independence in the history of our country—that's his time period of study, so he knows a LOT about it. Me, not as much. But I do at least want you to know that the fight is still needed—will always be needed—and remains worth it.

We all need each other to do our best, for we are all one big family who can either tear each other down or hold each other up, and everyone needs holding up now and then. In the Bible and elsewhere, we hear the notion "United we stand, divided we fall"—

It even shows up on Missouri's state flag!

—and I do believe we must stick together as people the best we can for everyone's benefit.

One President, John F Kennedy, focused on this issue in his inaugural speech, which he followed up by reminding us all the great responsibility that comes with the rights we fight so hard to enjoy when he said:

"my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."

In other words, don't focus on what others can do for you or on trying to get rewards for what you do—instead, think how you can be helpful yourself, be part of the solutions to the problems in this world. No matter our circumstances, we have it better than someone else and we have it in our power to make life better for someone else and I know both of you can make this world a little better. You have that in your power, and I can't wait to see what you accomplish in your lifetimes.

See the whole inspiring speech here:

And on a different note, because most of what we know about the American Revolution is things the men did, I want you to remember that women and children also did their part, including one teenage girl who took a late-night ride very much like Paul Revere's but twice as long! Hooray Sybil Ludington!

Here is one version of her story (from Herstories: Women in History):

SYBIL’S RIDE

by Jeanne Robinson

Sixteen year old Sybil Ludington lay awake in her bed thinking about the War. It was 1777 and America was fighting for its independence from England.

Sybil wished that she could do something to help the cause. She already spun wool instead of buying fabric from England. And, she refused to drink English tea. But, that was what all the women were doing. Sybil wished that she could do something special for America.

Suddenly, Sybil heard a noise outside. It sounded like a horse galloping into the yard. It was past midnight - Sybil wondered who it could be.

“Colonel Ludington! Colonel Ludington!” a man on horseback shouted. “The British are burning Danbury, Sir! You must gather your men and march against the British!”

“All our supplies are at Danbury!” Colonel Ludington exclaimed. “All our guns and ammunition will be destroyed!”

“Yes, Sir,” the messenger replied. “You have to stop the British!” Then the soldier collapsed to the ground, exhausted from his long ride.

“We have to muster the men,” Sybil heard her father say. Sybil knew that the men in her father’s militia unit lived in farms scattered all over the countryside. They had been released from military duty to tend to their spring planting. Now they would have to be called out to form their fighting unit.

Suddenly Sybil knew what she could do to help America. She walked down the stairs and said to her parents, “I’ll go.”

Both parents turned to Sybil. “What?” said her mother.

“I said I’ll go muster the men,” Sybil repeated.

“No,” replied Colonel Ludington. “You are too young, Sybil.”

“But, I know the roads and the farms, Father. I know where all the men live,” Sybil pleaded.

“It’s too dangerous for you,” Colonel Ludington said. “You could be attacked by bandits, or captured by Tories and turned over to the British army.”

“There is nobody else who can go, Father,” Sybil replied. “Samuel and George are too little. It has to be me. Please, Father, send me. I want to help.”

Her father studied her for a moment. He saw the determination and strength in her face. He knew his daughter. She was strong and resourceful. And, she was courageous. “All right,” he said.

Sybil raced out the front door. Her parents followed her and gave a quick gasp. The sky to the east glowed bright red! The British were burning Danbury!

Colonel Ludington hurried after Sybil and found her in the barn saddling Star, her father’s favorite horse.

The sky still burned red when Colonel Ludington led Star around to the front yard. He handed Sybil a big stick. “Use this to knock on the farmhouse doors,” he told her. “Tell my men to muster here at the mill. Go as far south as Mahopac Falls and then north to Stormyville. You are sure you know the way?” he asked.

“Yes, Father,” Sybil answered.

He looked hard into her eyes. “Godspeed, my daughter.”

Sybil rode off! She tore down the lane and onto the highway. Her heart was pounding furiously. Sybil’s first stop was the Alder place. She charged right up to the farmhouse and banged her big stick on the door. Sybil yelled, “The British are burning Danbury! Muster at Ludington’s Mill!” Then Sybil turned around and raced off to the next place.

Star galloped like the wind, carrying Sybil from farmhouse to farmhouse. “The British are burning Danbury! Muster at Ludington’s Mill!” Sybil repeated each time. She felt happy and scared all at once. But, most of all she felt proud to be helping the American colonies.

Sybil rallied all the men in Mahopac Falls and then headed north. Her voice was hoarse from yelling her message. Her arm throbbed from holding the wooden stick. And, her whole body ached from riding so long.

She reached the hill above Stormyville and paused for a moment. Sybil was weary, but ready to do her duty. Gathering her strength, she pointed Star down the path to the village. After waking Stormyville, Sybil turned south and headed home.

By the time she got back to the mill yard, it was swarming with men. “You did it, Sybil!” her father exclaimed proudly.

Sybil had ridden 40 miles that night. She had gathered all 400 of her father’s men. She was only 16 years old, but she had done something special to help America win the war for independence.

So my dear ones, on this Day of Independence, never doubt that you can make a difference in this country and this world, as well as within your family, your circle of friends, your school, and your city. May you be inspired by the people in our past to make our future even better.

So... go enjoy your ~~PTSD-inducing mini-bombs~~ fireworks (I know, I love them too), and be safe. No losing any fingers like your great-grandpa did, please!

Happy Half-Birthday to Yous, Happy Half-Birthday to Yous,

Happy Half-Birthday Dear Coos,

Happy Half-Birthday toooooooo Yoooooooous!!

Just in case you don't remember, this is what you looked like just after you were born.

Being born is exhausting.

Here's the first moment I held P:

and an approximation of the first look I saw on I's face:

"Something is rotten in the state of Oakland."

Here's P looking just like Wally Shawn:

Inconceivable! I can't tell them apart!

And here he is milk-drunk:

Can't... keep... eyes... open...

Wally Shawn would NEVER get milk-drunk.

and I the day you came home from the hospital:

and here you two are, looking like baby rappers in your nest:

Yes, those are the doll-sized hats I still have in my drawer.
And yes, they were too big for you then.

Here are a few early pictures with your loved ones...

Flappy and Grumpipuss

This is called "imprinting"—babies memorizing faces by staring intently.
It's totally charming.

Proof I always liked to arch her back.

You did it. You exhausted him.

Maybe you did know yet how much you loved Emily. BTW, that doll in her arms has your same name.
She got twin dolls and named them after you two before you were born.