The Journey Ends - Reflection Begins

In Search of Extra Milers / After the Senior Games/Olympics

The Beauty in America’s Backyard
By Carol Baker Dawson

Dear United States of America,
I took a journey this summer - a nine-week outing through your backyard – looking for extra milers and taking great pleasure in the diversity of your land, your history, and your people.
Despite the fact this is my home, I had no idea the depth of your natural resources, the beauty and rareness of your landscape, or the adventure that would lie before me…until this summer.
I stood in front of your Grand Canyon and felt a power swirl around my body like a great wind gradually settling into my bones. I climbed New Mexico’s Sandia Mountain and gasped for breath as I reached 11,000 ft. above sea level and cautiously crawled to the edge to witness the spectacular display of colors from the deep canyon below.
I climbed through your Craters of the Moon caves and spent an entire day marveling that black rock made from volcanic ash could be so radiant. I felt one with nature as Yellowstone’s great wild elk and bison stood majestically before me. I heard the protective cries of your prairie dogs in your South Dakota parks. I stood between water falls in Oregon and danced with puppies on the beach. My mind halted the chatter and worry of everyday life as I sat among your colossal Redwood trees. I cried for no reason.
The Pacific Ocean provided a flowing lullaby as I drifted to sleep. I dreamed in vibrant colors; tracing and retracing the exotic and striking outline of your land. Your magnificent island off the coast of Lake Michigan revealed life can still exist in harmony with nature; without powerful engines ruling the streets.
I caressed earth’s foundation as if it were some exotic and unfamiliar fabric. I read about the history of your land and learned to respect the lives led by your remarkable native people.
Every single day you provided something incredible to remind me of the friends and family I love. I was inspired to sing with abandon, love intently, breathe deeply, communicate clearly, release anger quickly, and to give praise for the power and depth of my faith.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Your landscape has been developed by history – not merely the history of your climate and your civilization, but also of your culture, your people, and your spiritual beliefs. As America is viewed by different lens, it becomes what we each desire.
I was intrigued by the diversity and uniqueness of the people who have chosen to live in your backyard. I met many Extra Milers – people who earnestly care for the land and one another. You are not lacking in individuals who live as a nation under God, indivisible, and with liberty and justice for all. Attention is simply not focused on them, as these Extra Milers are typically your best kept secret.

America, this trip deep into your backyard revealed the brilliance and foresight of leaders who predicted the need to protect your natural resources for future generations. Unsettled that it took so long to taste your fruit and walk your paths; I am now mindful of the possibilities of this unchartered land. I will not wait so long to visit you again.

Nite~