If the weather had cooperated we would typically be at the New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Manteo, but as we noted yesterday, it would be a very wet experience tonight.
That’s alright because it gives us a chance to talk write about one of those moments in time that we really are moving forward and there truly are heroes among us that are worthy of the title.
Ruby Bridges was six years old when her parents sent her to the all white school in New Orleans in 1960. It was a year of isolation. Parents at the school refused to allow their children to sit in a classroom with Ruby, and she spent the year with one teacher.
Yet, in spite of the horror of that first year in school, and other terrible things that have happened to her over the years, Ruby Bridges is a gracious and patient person and that grace and patience was on full display when she came to Island Books in Corolla for a book signing on Friday.
The event had been postponed for a week because of weather, but obviously the word was out that Ms Bridges would be at the store.
The line wound far into the parking lot all evening and the people waiting to speak with Ms Bridges and were the whole spectrum of society. Young and old. Black and White. It didn’t seem to matter. People were truly thrilled to meet someone who had lead the way to bringing our society to understanding we’re all in this together.
What she represents is a very real example of the words of the Preamble to the Constitution—that we are working to create a more perfect union…not that we are perfect, but that we are working toward something better.
The evening was a moment to share in a truly wonderful reminder that there is so much that binds us together and a beautiful way to bring in the New Year.
Summer is coming soon. Be sure to make your Brindley Beach Vacations reservations to insure the best home for that perfect vacation.