The Professor told me that today is Constitution Day, a day to celebrate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. I am not a history buff, but I have to believe the process to complete this document had to be contentious at the time. So many details to resolve, so many people with strong beliefs trying to do what they believed was right. The signing must have been the culmination of long years of arguing, proposing, fighting, compromising, thinking, discussing, more arguing — nothing that monumental is easy.
The more things change, the more things stay the same?
Something about the fact that my son can now remind me of important things I used to know but have now forgotten — and there are so, so many — something about that feeling made me remember this photo, and how I wondered what he was thinking about that day as he stood looking out at the world, under the flag. There is a good chance that he was looking at a bug, and sincerely hoping it would not crawl toward his foot. There is a minuscule chance that he was thinking about our founding fathers signing the constitution. But when I look at that picture, I think of him looking toward the future and what it may hold, all the things he is learning and which ones he will remember.
14 responses so far ↓
karen from mentor // September 17, 2009 at 1:12 pm |
Jane,
I love this sentiment. I also love that this beautiful image is indelibly imprinted in your heart and mind.
The thing that really jumped out at me is the fact that not only are you TAKING the photo, but a piece of you (your flip flops) is in the photo as well, right there comtemplating the flag, the future and your child’s thoughts along with him.
Our children are the future….
When they have moms like you I have high hopes for the next generation.
Hugs!
Karen :0)
Jane Bretl // September 17, 2009 at 6:36 pm |
Karen, talk about a lovely thought! Thank you for your kind words! I think the future will be in good hands…
Jan P . // September 17, 2009 at 3:04 pm |
Good thoughts, stellar picture. Maybe I should think more, nah!
Jane Bretl // September 17, 2009 at 6:32 pm |
Jan, you’re funny — I can just hear you saying that last part
nan // September 17, 2009 at 3:52 pm |
Just beautiful….thanks for sharing your thoughts and the Professor. They both make our world a better place!
Jane Bretl // September 17, 2009 at 6:37 pm |
Thanks, Nan! I feel the same way about you…
CoffeeJitters // September 17, 2009 at 4:51 pm |
what an awesome photo.
Jane Bretl // September 17, 2009 at 6:38 pm |
CoffeeJudy, I took this photo on a lake in Wisconsin. There is often a refreshing breeze off the water. It is one of my favorite spots.
christy frank // September 18, 2009 at 8:08 am |
Beautiful Picture. Beautiful thoughts. I’m not a history buff either but I think we can all remember and appreciate all those who have gone before us who have created this amazing place and do all we can to serve and protect it.
Jane Bretl // September 18, 2009 at 8:48 am |
Thanks, Christie. You express a beautiful thought as well!
Kris // September 18, 2009 at 10:36 am |
Great picture and great post! Constitution Day would have totally slipped past me – I feel so guilty!
If that was one of my kids, I could pretty much tell you he was looking for fish or interesting rocks. They are very predictable that way!
seamus39 // September 21, 2009 at 7:01 pm |
A very thoughtful post – thank you!
That flag has been a big part of our lives, especially over the past decade. And as if I needed a reminder about the Bill of Rights, the ACLU sent me a bookmark in the mail with the Rights enumerated. Maybe I did need a reminder.
Jane Bretl // September 22, 2009 at 10:39 am |
Welcome, Seamus39, and thanks for your comment! When life hands you bookmarks, you just have to keep reading (and writing…)
Jan // September 22, 2009 at 11:01 am |
Very intense photo. A great memory for you! …and what was the bird thinking?