Freedom

  Exactly what is freedom? It has been one of the most meaningful words to humans since the beginning of time. Today I wish to focus on the kind of freedom that has changed a great deal for me. The feeling of peace with yourself and the world. To be free on the inside not just the outside. Life becomes simple and beautiful during my occasional trances of such freedom inside. If you are lost in this rather intense train of thought, let your mind go and ride with me on my journey through some points of personal freedom in my life. Who knows, maybe on the way, you will pass by yours.
     The sage brush rushes by as I gallop on my trusty stead ‘Lucy”, through the plains of Wyoming. The only action for miles is a herd of cows, my cowboy friends and Lucy and me. As the rest of the world stays still, the horse’s heavy breathing evoke the relief of opening the throttle wide open. She slows down after a couple of heart racing minutes which will forever live in a frame of time very special to me. Now I hear the clickety-clack of her giant hoofs against the dry ground. In the distance I see the Grand Tetons towering over the spectacular scene. As we closed in on the herd, ropes a swinging, I felt a great presence. The essence of my life became increasingly apparent, because I knew that, though temporary, my current place in the universe was perfect, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I became one step closer to feeling complete.
     Waves crash against the edge of our small but trusty Carolina skiff as we attempt to enter the Gulf of Mexico. My best friend from back home is sitting atop the bow like a true seamen. Water floods onto the boat and begin to fill the hull, thanks to 65 foot yacht which blazed by in all its wrath. The pump comes on to save our half sinking boat. My friend and I had remained calm as though we had no doubt that everything would be fine. After this narrowly avoided disaster, we cruise in the Gulf of Mexico blasting our country music. We discuss our accomplishment and how no one else has ever had the courage or stupidity to even get close to these waters. It was not the accomplishment nor the thrill, it was the feeling of camaraderie that revealed this unexpected feeling of freedom. I felt free of all the expectations in life and burdens attached to me, it was two buddies together on the high seas with no worries in the world.
     The crunching of gravel sounds out from under my shoes. I continue running toward the sound of the barking, rifle in hand. Minutes ago we had been walking along my favorite path on my daily summer walk. The sun was gently fading beneath the tree line. Rambo, a dog which I had saved from a vicious owner up the road who had him chained up, had been walking stride by stride near me, guarding my every step like an angel. A coyote had howled in the distance, off flew Rambo at pace reminiscent of a cheetah. This being nothing out of the ordinary, I continued my walk along a narrow stream. Then I heard his bark that only means danger.
     I am running down the main farm road where I see Rambo’s figure about 50 meters off jumping about. As I move in, it happens, a water moccasin springs from the ground right into his chest as a fire hose jumps when it is let loose. Protective instincts take over; three shots in about a second. I run over to him as he lays motionless on the ground only his eyes able to move, all that remains of his opponent are various organs. I drop my rifle and hoist him into my arms running faster than I knew how. Two miles later, I have him in our truck on his way to our vet. He has been bitten directly in the vein. The vet said he was in an irreversible coma. The next morning I awoke to hear from my ecstatic mother, who had a hell of a struggle with cancer seven years ago herself, Rambo couldn’t walk yet but was fine. Now whenever I am near him, I feel free and at peace. I don’t have a good explanation for such feelings, but know that they are real. I only hope that in my last moment on earth, I will finally be complete as a person. It is your duty to yourself to find moments of  freedom and peace. These moments will come naturally, make sure you embrace them and make the most of them. You will find them to be the happiest minutes  of your life no matter what they are.