Fulfilling A Dream, Is Like A River

After graduating from nursing school in 1975, a humanitarian mission was one of my goals as a nurse, a goal I set thirty-three years ago. In November of 1975, Buck and I moved to Preston, Idaho, so he could do a lineman apprenticeship for UP&L. January 1976 I found myself working on the Orthopedic Unit at the old Logan Hospital I was there that I that I became best friends with a CNA, by the name of Mabel. Mabel, was from West Africa, here in the United States going to school. Mabel and I were the out casts of the unit as she was very black and I very non Mormon. Though were were treated rude by racial patients and arrogant staff, we had each other and we were just fine with it all. Thirty-three years ago I expressed to Mabel, my desire to see Africa. Mabel and I visited each shift about her home land. I know she would be amazed to hear I am going to East Africa, I can see here smiling at fulfilling my dream. Here's to you my old African friend, here's to you Mabel!
I suppose a dream is like a river, ever changing as it goes, and finally both dreams are becoming a reality. A reality that I often wondered about, but held on to the dream!!
While listening to the radio the other day and thinking about my upcoming journey,"The River" by Garth Brooks came on, it says it all. I'll sail my vessel, 'til the river runs dry! Not only iwth my upcoming trip, but with life itself.


You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...
And I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away'
Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
There's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry