The election is over and I'm unhappy with my country andthe world right now.
It is leaf raking time again.
It seemslike there are more leaves than ever before.
I feeloverwhelmed with the chore.
The day is mild.
The windstorms have blown almost all of the leaves from the trees.
But still there is brilliant vignettes of color to enjoy.
The three little girls, my little neighbor friends come runningover.
"Hello Linda, hello Linda.
" Despite all my faults real orimaginary, they are always happy to see me.
They love me.
They stand with me on the south side of my yard overlookingthe lake.
While I rake leaves they tell me their sweetstories.
Life is pure for them.
The sun is shining the sky isblue, and they look over to the sparkling lake and say, "Youcan see the flag!" I look up to see the scene.
The Americanflag is waving down on the lake's park lawn, against thebright blue sky and brilliant sparkling water, reflectingautumn's colors.
The three little girls standing in front of meput their hands to their hearts and start to sing.
"Oh say canyou see by the dawns early light--" I stand with them somoved by their innocence as they sing our countries song.
They love their flag and they love their country.
I am movedto tears by this moment in time.
And I realize, no matterwhat is going on in my country, whether I agree or disagree.
This is my homeland.
I will love it as a mother loves herchild.
And I will try to make a difference.