Page 120 - How We Lead Matters

In Your Dreams

I like speed. Downhill skiing fulfilled that desire for me until I discovered
rollerblading. Like the toad in Wind in the Willows, I got positively wild-eyed
the first time I saw someone whizzing by on that sleek modern-day version of
roller skates. I determined right then that one day I would rollerblade in
Central Park. It was my dream.
I wore all the protective gear and practiced at every opportunity at a
park near my home until I felt confident that I had enough agility to cross
streets, navigate other bladers, and dodge a mugger . . . should the need arise.
I was in my mid-sixties when my dream came true one spring day while
I was on a trip to New York City. I suited up in the lobby of the hotel across
from the park. It was a picture-perfect sunny day. The flowers were in bloom.
The air was filled with fragrance.
Outside the hotel, it seemed like the entire city was playing hooky. I
gracefully navigated the street crossing and glided onto the path. Once I real-
ized I was in command of myself, I felt free to take in all that was around me.
It was thrilling!
So thrilling that I almost forgot that I was scheduled to participate in
an important conference call. As I reluctantly rounded the final turn before
heading back to the hotel, I approached a park bench where an athletic-
looking young man was resting. I think I probably dug in a bit more to pick
up speed.
As I whooshed past him, I heard him call out, “You go, Grandma!”
Damn.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson 103