Dreams and Nightmares

I came out of the post office just in time to see this spiffy fully restored and freshly painted Mustang convertible pull up to the curb, parking in a handicapped space. The elderly driver got out and haltingly walked to the rear of the car, holding on as he shuffled along. He opened the trunk, took out and set up his walker, closed the trunk, and slowly proceeded to go into the post office.

I envisioned him forty-odd years ago wishing that he could have afforded that convertible, picturing himself picking up chicks and tooling around town the envy of his friends. Now at last he has the car and his memories.

Happy ??th Birthday, Elena Kaplan

Yes, I know. I used the same picture last year. And why not? The pony rides are still there, it's only a few blocks from the house, and I drive by it several times a day. It's on my way to the post office, the supermarket, the Target store, and the neighborhood Starbucks. A constant reminder of the cute little girl that used to love going to the pony rides.

Now she's an attorney in Atlanta, involved in politics just like her father, and hopefully next time she runs for office she'll enjoy a landslide victory. I never did. However, she'll discover that the very act of running in itself, rallying a bunch of people together, organizing a campaign, gives you a level of respect and credibility in your community. You don't have to win to "win".

She's reaching that point in life where most of us stop looking forward to getting another year older. It makes me stop and think, too! "Damn! I have a daughter THAT old?" But she's brought a lot of joy to my life. Thanks, Elena, and have a Happy Birthday! You've finally reached the point where you don't have to try and blow out all the candles in one breath! Just enjoy the day.