The
Land of Riseandshine
There's a place just beyond the horizon. It is accessible in dreams or perhaps, an altered state of mind. Some people call it another dimension. It isn't on the map, that much I know. I was lucky enough to visit once quite by accident, and it was alive with enthusiasm and fresh with wonder. The sky was a blue miracle. As I found myself in the middle of Riseandshine, I breathed in air that was spring rain fresh on a day bathed in sunshine. I was in a rural area, a countryside, when I landed or got through or whatever you might choose to call my access to this place. There was no great Oz, but somehow, Riseandshine seemed like it might be over the rainbow because if a place could smile, Riseandshine was doing just that. Although people were busy, their countenance reflected a merry heart because they loved the work they were about doing.
I found myself on a construction site. Yellow bulldozers were grading a large parcel of land on a hill in the wide-open countryside. One of the operators looked my way, smiled and waved a big hello. He looked like a little boy delighted with his toy as the large shovel moved the earth in it's path. I was very surprised to see my junior high school band teacher, Mr. B., walking along the perimeter of the freshly plowed earth in my direction. I had not seen him in 25 years and he had never looked better. He was exuberant as he shared with me how a fantastic country school was being built and a new technology was being implemented so that the children would realize their fullest potential, grow in self-esteem and flourish in the environment as well. Mr. B. had been a passionate history teacher and motivator as well as an accomplished musician and band instructor. Children and education had been his life. I felt it was so appropriate that he was running the project. He did his job so well.
Mr. B gave me a cheery farewell. It was obvious he had much to do, and proceeded on his way with purpose in his step. Seeing him made me feel good - his enthusiasm had always been contagious. I realized Riseandshine was a fresh new world in the making with people from the old one. I knew in my heart that if I had a bird's eye view of Riseandshine, I might find my friend Terri singing Bible songs with little children in a white steepled church on Sunday morning over the hill. And then again, perhaps my old friend and prayer partner Gus, who had been a chaplain with General Patton in World War II and a farmer during his later years, was planting young trees in a lush meadow around a bend, smiling as he did and loving the feel of the fresh earth on strong hands. He was a farmer first and a World War II chaplain next. I knew that in Riseandshine a person truly did rise and shine with the glory of giving the best of themselves for the good and joy of others. Somehow I knew there was no pain or sadness or worries in Riseandshine.
Just confidence in tomorrow and gladness in today, because what was done today was done with love and commitment.
Maybe it was just a place in a dream, but I hope someday, by fate or decree or whatever, I get to visit Riseandshine once more.And if I get to stay, I would like to work on the welcoming committee and help folks feel at home.
Dedicated to the memory of Frank Bigoski Sr. who was in the dream that inspired this storyand God’s gift to the Vallejo Unified School District at Hogan Junior High as a motivational band director,gifted trumpet player and trumpet teacher whose life was musicand an inspiring instructor and storyteller of United States History….I was so fortunate to have him for all three….he loved what he did…and he was the best
Jennifer Lynn Grant