No kings

 

I don't know about anyone else, but I got a good night's sleep for the first time in ages last night. To know that there are so very many people who feel like I do. I also thought about those who wanted to come out but couldn't for many reasons.  There is still much to do. 

The weather goddess worked in our favor here in Georgia. There was thunder in the air. Thunder in my heart. It wasn't until after I got to the park that I realized that I did NOT have a current copy of registration or insurance. Sure, e-versions are legit, but I had no idea if local LEOs were on their last nerves. I actually pulled up behind a unit parked in front of St. Margaret's to ask if my banner was illegal, plate being obscured and all. 

I put on my flashers, got out, and went around to the back of my car to get a look. Opened the trunk, adjusted the banner, and closed it before approaching the police car. Then I realized that my actions in that moment would have been highly suspicious, possibly terrifying to an officer who was pulled over doing paperwork.

 I walked off to the side with my hands empty and visible, only to find that no one was in the patrol car. I got back in my car and headed out. My crumbling vertebrae might keep me from walking or running, but nothing could keep me from driving. The local park was not a rallying place, but it was busy enough to gather some supportive honks and waves. The few miles to home were uneventful. As I pulled into the driveway, the skies opened for real. 

News of Brian Wilson's passing rippled through my dreams. My friend's mother engineered a surprise sixteenth birthday party for her daughter. I only had to walk two houses up the street in my finery. The boys even wore jackets. 

I was very intent on making an impression on a certain young buck. Then someone flipped Pet Sounds over to side two, and I remember being completely spellbound by my first time hearing "God Only Knows". This may have been the moment. 

After all the teenage foolery of the Beach Boys' music, where had this miracle come from? I'm pretty sure I went home soon after. Alone and fine with it. Thank you, Brian, for opening that door.