I’m prone to dreaming awake or asleep. This dream happened in the early morning hours when the lines between awake and asleep blur. My doctor used to say that only the dreamer understands the meaning of dreams, so make of it what you will.

In my dream a lovely class of Kindergarteners was lined up outside under big trees. There were teachers around. There seemed to be no hurry, no emergency, no reason for being lined up outside. It was just a warm, sunny morning. I stood nearby unencumbered.

The Kindergarten class spontaneously broke into song. It began as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” but then morphed into a mash-up with “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Surprisingly, the songs worked well together. The children smiled with enthusiasm.

One little girl looked at me eagerly and said, “Do you know why we sing it that way?”

“No,” I said.

“Because of ME!”

She was so proud. I think she might be on to something–love of country should feel like Christmas. “Forever in peace may you wave.”

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a place of safety, support, and beauty.