you'll leave this world naked

From 8/8/11 (3 years to the day from college graduation!)
The cobblestoned streets we walked this weekend once supported the feet of American heroes like Thomas Paine, Ben Franklin, George Washington, and dozens and dozens more. As we remembered the sacrifice and bravery of these men – and the incredible women who did their laundry, bore their children, and loved them well – it was evident we’ll likely die without our names in the history books. Does that stop us – or you – from living meaningful, memorable lives? No.

No, we press on through life with the same thirst for freedom, passion for democracy, and appreciation of those around us. We drink our tea just as they did (though ours is over ice with a bit of splenda) and we discuss many of the same things Abigail Adams – or her husband John – discussed. What job will best fulfill our talents & desires? Details of love interests and family moments are exchanged, as we wander the streets in the shadow of the liberty bell.
We ate delicious food in a darkly lit restaurant and conversed of faith, love, hope for the coming years. One of us moving to Greece within a month, one of us perhaps across the country someday but for now in the capitol, one of us contentedly settled in Houston.


It had been too long since I had seen their faces, and it will be too long before I see them again. I thas been too long since I appreciated the privilege of living in a free society, or tipped my hat in reverence to those who protect us, and acknowledged the difference between a woman born in the 1980s and the 1780s.


As news broke that thirty military service members had been killed in Afghanistan, and that two bystanders were severely beat up one month prior in the same city block we’d eaten dinner, I felt thankful for the joy of being alive, deeply aware how fleeting this life is. We take nothing out of this world. The minister on Sunday said we have arrived naked and we will leave that way, too. What then do we live for?


In part, we live for friendships. Deep, rich, loyal, hilarious, true. And freedom – for ourselves, but also for others. It feels cliché, after a simple weekend in Philadelphia with two delightful friends, but I am renewed and rejoice at the gifts given to me: such amazing friendships, among endless freedoms here in America. My cup runneth over.