Let me relate an awkwardly funny and somewhat embarrassing story:
On Friday, I was at the post office mailing out the books that we’ve been selling on Amazon. The postal service worker who was helping me was a darling, middle-aged black woman who was enamored with Milo’s antics. She was indeed very helpful. The final package had been requested as an expedited order, so I asked when it would arrive. She said that because of the Holiday, it would be Tuesday or Wednesday.
“Oh, yeah,” I said, “President’s Day is Monday, right?” (duh.)
“It is Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Day!” she replied instantly (with a bit of a Southern attitude that I hadn’t noticed before in the conversation…maybe because it hadn’t been there?!)
“Oh, that’s not in February?” I went on, ” I always get those two confused!!” ( I mean, could I have just shut my mouth? She was evidently already semi-annoyed with my ignorance…)
“January 15th.” she stated. End of conversation.
I thanked her for her help and vowed to never confuse the two again! I don’t think that will be hard.
So, the great thing about it, although I looked slightly ignorant and possibly indifferent to the incredible legacy of MLK, is that I was VERY aware of his celebration and we were able to really enjoy it!
Dave and I decided it would be fun to take Milo down to the Lincoln Memorial and sit on the steps to watch the famous “I Have a Dream” speech on our phone. We prepared the night before by watching this version, which shows the entire speech. I hadn’t ever seen the whole thing, and was very taken with what an important message Dr. King shared, and what a critical transition time it was in America.
Then, with Milo, we chose to watch this shortened version, which was still inspiring, and a little more appropriate for him. He might have watched 30 seconds and then run away to say “Hi” to Mr. Lincoln. Oh, and it was freezing, so I was happy to have watched the long one in the comfort of my room.
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| (This is the “show us your teeth!!” face. For some reason Dave and I also feel compelled to show off those teeth when we’re getting a smile out of Milo.” |
What a fun outing! It is so very cool to live right here in the center of these amazing historic memorials. We are ever so grateful for the message of tolerance, love, freedom and equality that Martin Luther King preached. This country is indeed a better place for it.
