Dear Reader:

One day during my stay in Denmark Benedikte took me to city hall to see the most popular statue ( in all of Denmark) erected in front of the municipal building.

Our teacher exchange took place partially during our Spring Break here in Summerville but still late winter in Denmark. ( so there were no long lines waiting to see the statue and I could walk right up to it! )

My initial reaction was plop on his knee and imagine him telling me one of my favorite stories he wrote. As I stared at the knee on the statue… I could tell others had shared my same instinct… one knee looked more worn and faded than the rest of the statue.

Andersen’s gaze was towards the famous Tivoli Gardens -a world renowned amusement park-( that actually inspired some of his stories.) For me that was my biggest disappointment… I wanted to see it so badly and enjoy the rides… but it didn’t officially open until three weeks after we left! So close but so far away!

But we did go to so many other amazing places…the Holocaust Museum and the story of King Christian X who urged his people to help their Jewish neighbors in every way possible ( the yellow star on all citizens was fictionalized) but the astonishing stats on how many Danish Jewish citizens survived… thanks to the generosity and courage of all the Danes and their amazing leader … is quite true! The courage to give voice to those who need it!

… and we got to take the Little Mermaid tour!

So when I saw ” accidentally ” the famous title quote by Andersen- ” Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”

I immediately went outside and picked one precious little flower and returned back inside holding it.

I was holding a little flower, had been out in the hot sunshine, (watching Lachlan play Summerville football in Summerville) and then on to parks and town attractions… and now … what about freedom?

I must admit that ” freedom” is the most worrisome item on my agenda these days… never thought this ole’ history and civics teacher would be witness to some of the greatest threats on our personal freedoms, our endangered constitutional rights and the greed of the elite and their political power overshadowing the needs of the many… we the people.

So until tomorrow… Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past… but do our homework and stand up for democracy… Our founding fathers had great visions, hopes, and dreams for us… for ” We the People” … and let’s start by helping those who need our help… for standing up for those who have no voice and let’s give them one!

Yesterday Mollie and the kids came for football, then playing at Boo Boo’s … followed by the park and town attractions! We had the freedom to burn up.. it was hot hot hot… but fun!

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh