I didn't sleep last night, as is often the case with me. I thought that my late evening swim would quiet my mind. That didn't happen. Instead, I sat in the sunroom with Bree at my feet, reading "To Kill A Mockingbird" again. I've read this book so many times, but each time I read it, I am touched in a different way. I finished the book as the sun rose. Bree woke up, to look out the window, as she always does. Now. There's nothing at all profound about this post. Not really. It's everyday life. The little stuff.
I was finally able to sleep a bit later in the morning, when Bree woke me up for lunch, with a sharp punch in the ribs with her nose. We went about our daily routine. Eating...putzing about. Our walk was not going to happen, as there was a lot of rain, with thunder. It also meant there would be no swim for me, as well. Management at our club clears out the pool if there is lightning. The pool is only 2 years old, and well grounded...But. Nevertheless. That is their policy. It made me feel at loose ends all day. Swimming has always been such a huge part of my life. I felt sorry for myself.
In the afternoon, I noticed the young boy in my neighborhood walking home with no rain coat. No umbrella...looking soaked and miserable. The same boy I bought a winter coat for last winter. I felt a little lurch of sadness. Had I really made a difference in this young man's life. No. He still goes home to an empty house, tired and cold.
I have always wanted to save the world. Somehow. In my youth, I refused to believe that it could not be done. I never gave up hope. I know now, that it will take all people with good hearts to make the world a better place. It is humbling. I feel so small and incapable sometimes.
So. I swim. I swim for me, and now I strive for meaning in the water. That is why I decided to take on the greatest challenge I have ever faced: The Mackinac Straits. The Mighty Mack. My hope was to help raise money for hungry people in Detroit. So. I train. I talk to people about my quest, and beg for their help. Just a dollar. Just a dollar. Just a Face Book share. Just a retweet. And I am coming up short. I am only one small person with a dream. Is it all worth it? I don't know the answer to that question. I know Gleaners is there to help me spread the word. But. Essentially, I am alone in this endeavor.
I am not a wealthy person. I am not a superstar. I have what I need. That is enough. But, I am still haunted by the faces I see in the daily paper of the hungry people in Detroit. The same people who have had their water supply cut off by a ruthless City manager, appointed by our millionaire governor. I am humbled by their strength.
These people are invisible to most. So, I am asking. Help them. One dollar. One dollar.
http://www.gcfb.org/MackStraits
