A Moment in History

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Bobby Kennedy was in Indianapolis for a campaign stop and he delivered the news to a stunned crowd. As news of the assassination spread across the land, many cities erupted in riots and chaos. Indianapolis did not and it was largely due to the wise and calming words delivered by Bobby Kennedy.

Ethel Kennedy (Bobby's widow) was in our city yesterday. She was honoring both men. Our local paper was all over it. Some articles remembered that day. Others in the op/ed section pleaded with the younger generation to remember history and learn the lesson.

There's a sculpture in our city that's a tribute to them both. It's metal and it's moving. It shows both men reaching but not quite attaining the handshake. Part of the metal comes from melted-down firearms.

My friend designed this sculpture. He won a national contest and poured his heart and soul into it, along with a lot of melted firearms. I went to the ceremony when it was unveiled.

The artist reminded me of another snapshot of this historic moment: www.rippleofhopemovie.com.

I wish I could say something new and profound about these two men who died at such a young age in 1968. I'm don't have the words and I was a child.

But, I can tell you that there's a monument in my city honoring both of them. I'm thrilled to know the artist. I'm hoping their message is still being conveyed. It's not lost on me.

A License

It's amazing how many things you are supposed to hold a license.

My dog has a license. I have no idea why or what it could possibly be used for.
I've been married more than once. I got a license.
I have a driver's licence. Ok, makes sense.
I did a bartending gig a few months ago; I now have a bartender's license.
I don't have a permit/license to carry a gun (and I do not have a gun) but that's another thing you need to get a license.
My dad has a fishing license.

Here are a few things that I wish you had to obtain a license:

Adopt a pet
Become a parent
Get a divorce
Shoot off fireworks

I could go out tomorrow and I could adopt a pet, shoot off fireworks, buy a gun and have a baby (ok, that's a stretch.) All of my licenses are in order.

A Fall Day

There's something magical about the perfect Fall day: brightly colored leaves and a crispness in the air.

Yesterday was a Fall day around here but it wasn't the good kind.

I stopped counting after the fourth fall. As I watched the mother-in-law weave, bounce off walls and whack her head on the way down, I almost lost it. Instead of picking her up AGAIN, I truly considered just falling down myself. When I finally got her back in bed for the umpteenth time, I started speaking to her like the dog: "Lie down and stay!"

There were people here for the first fall and I know she will be horribly embarrassed when she remembers this fact. (I haven't talked to her yet today but I did go into the dungeon to make sure she's breathing.)

You know those moments when you think -- I just need to sit down for a moment. I was headed there when I heard the Unabomber in the hallway asking, "Any way a good-looking man can get a sandwich and a cup of coffee?" This is why I do not own firearms.

Today I can barely walk. It's not due to being hit by a car on Sunday; it's due to lifting her repeatedly yesterday. She is not a big woman but she's bigger than I am. I can't do it.

When my uncle was very ill, my aunt (who is tiny) dealt with many falls. He was a big man and there was no way she could lift him. She became very chummy with the 911 EMTs. This is my future.

The oldies are supposed to travel to Texas in 8 days. I can't imagine but I'm still hoping beyond hope that the trip will happen. We're supposed to go to the doctor today. That's a really good idea except I don't have a clue how to make it happen. I am in pain and there is no way I can maneuver both of them. Plus, if one of them falls, I'll just have to step over him or her. I couldn't pick up a potato, let alone one of them.