Freedom

Dear Uncle Max,

Yesterday we took a surprise afternoon walk on the pretty York College campus; I was positioned between my parents and I was doing a pretty good job of staying just a little behind their lead.  It was a perfect warm summer day and yet we were almost the only ones there.  There was a girl on a blanket reading a book,  the creek was low and quiet, and the track was empty, but the grass in the center of it seemed to be freshly cut (by the smell).  

I was on a loose lead and (I later realized) my father silently let the rope drop from his hand.  I continued to keep pace,  not realizing I could move away from them if I chose to.   I was so good that a few minutes later I was given the release command ("free!") and I galloped toward the center of the open field.  With my floppy ears flying back, I was going really fast.  

Max,  I had been waiting for this my whole life and it felt great.   I ran and ran.

When my mother said "come" and touched her chest I waited a few seconds, looked around, and then responded, flying towards her smiling face.  It was magic; I knew just what to do.  

It is true that there was nothing there to distract me.   If there were other dogs or people it might have been different.  I will always remember my first taste of real freedom.


Back home my mother is cleaning out a drawer, and I am next to her watching quietly to see if there's anything new to chew on.  An old worn novelty coin rolls onto the floor.  Into my mouth it goes and I get away!  But she quickly chases me down, pries my mouth open, and pulls it out. 


Writing on the Brooklyn lumber company lucky coin: "TIMES WILL CHANGE...FAITH."


Tobes