Emma's Dream

Emma started out as a bright, funny little girl with a spirit that wouldn't quit. She had a faith that was unmatched by many. She looked at the world as a beautiful place, her own personal oyster shell waiting to be opened to find that one perfect pearl. Little did she know that life doesn't always turn out the way we would imagine as a child. She had such heartache and pain awaiting her, that it was better left unknown until the time came when she must go through it.

Emma as many others gave up dreams that once were created in youth. She was always an uncomplicated child, only to grow into a very complicated world. At first in her early twenties life seemed simple, and she felt content with what many would think was not enough. As life continued though it seemed that simple life would grow into one so complicated, that not even Emma could be happy. What happens to us along the way that we cannot be happy with what we have, and are always striving for more? This was not Emma's idea, but that of the people she chose to be with.

As we all know once we board a train the only choice we have is to stay until we reach a destination, or get off and stop the journey all together. Unfortunately, Emma never knew how to go to her destination, only to follow those of others. It's so hard when we truly believe the dreams of others are so much more important than our own.

Don't get me wrong, somewhere along the way later in life Emma accomplished much. However, was it truly what Emma wanted, or what she did because there seemed to be no other place to go? Emma always had this little dream, a dream that most would not even think as such. It was simple, and it seemed it was the only thing that made Emma happy. Emma had this dream many, many times in her most difficult life. Emma's dream was for life to be simple and uncomplicated.

Whenever Emma's life would become too much to bare, whether it be because of the pain she was experiencing, or just how very complicated life can be, this dream, or fantasy if you will, would always get her through. The only sad part is that it wasn't real. What was real, was the peace, contentment and hope she would feel after escaping into her own private little dream

Emma envisioned many times, of running off to a very small town. There she would get a little, but quaint little kitchenette run by a nice old couple who seemed more like grandma and grandpa, than somebody she didn't know. This kitchenette was small, but with a little bit here and there could be quite charming, at least in her eyes. Thankfully the old couple had no problems excepting her little dog she couldn't possibly live without. She was her companion, her baby, her little friend. Yes, Emma's first step to her dream was finally unfolding.

It was time for dinner, and she went to the local café. How wonderful, she hadn't had a home cooked meal in ages. Her old life only left time for frozen dinners and take-out. She hadn't had a meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy like that since she was a child when her mom made it. The waitress that served her seemed more like an old friend than an employee of the café. Emma said she was new in town and looking for a job, nothing fancy, just simple hard work, that earned enough to live on. The waitress told her, "Sugar, you're in the right place at the right time". She told Emma the other waitress had just quit two days ago, you know off for the big lights of the city, and they needed a new waitress. Emma was happier than most people could imagine. This was right up her ally she loved to serve others, and enjoyed being around people. She stopped for a moment and wondered of the irony of life, perhaps this waitress that left two days ago was suppose to take over the life that she had just left. Emma hoped that this other girl would be a lot happier than she ever could have been with that kind of life.

Emma started at the café the next day. She found it so easy to get to know all the town folk. It didn't take that long there was only 528 in all. That included all the folks in the outlining areas on the farms and ranches. Little by little Emma seemed to be more and more at peace. In other people's eyes she might have had less than before. In Emma's eyes she had so much more. Could this be what dreams are truly made of? Emma had been alive long enough to know it had nothing to do with fame fortune, degrees, or titles. It was about peace, contentment, and having the time to appreciate that which is truly important.

Emma would go home at night to her little kitchenette. You should see the cute little red checkered curtains she got at the local thrift store for the kitchen. Emma seemed to look at them and smile every time she walked through the door. Perhaps it was a symbol of just being at peace with the small things in life. Emma would make her little dinner, and put her feet up, with her tail wagging little friend, as she watched her favorite show on the TV. Sometimes she would be so tired from a busy day she would blissfully fall asleep before it even was over. There she lay in her little pull out bed, with her little friend by her side, content that all was right with the world.

Emma always arrived at work with a smile on her face. This caught the eye of one of the local men, who had his own farm just out side of town. Yes, he had a crush on Emma, but was too shy to say anything, as Emma was to shy as well to let him know the feeling was most happily returned. So Emma and Will would just talk and giggle like teenagers, at least for the time being. Of course, somewhere down the road after developing the most wonderful friendship, a romantic moment at the local dance would bring Emma and Will to a new understanding in their relationship. You know it just had to be that way, didn't you?

Emma's days blissfully ran one into the other. Church on Sunday was one of her favorite days of all. Everyone who was a believer would be there, yes, even Will. After a wonderful sermon by the really down to earth pastor, which didn't include fire and brimstone, there was a get together in the town park. It was the Sunday potluck, after church picnic. Everyone would catch up on all the events of the week, and just spend sometime talking, and most importantly listening to whatever was going on each other's lives. This one was off to college in September, this one just had a baby, that one unfortunately lost their mother. In Emma's eyes, this was what life was all about, people just living life simply, and enjoying those around us. Sharing each other's joys and sorrows. Why is it most people just don't get it? Being the intelligent person Emma is, she knows, right or wrong, each is entitled to their own set of dreams.

Emma's dream is a simple one, one that many people who wouldn't see as a dream, but a place where people get stuck in life, and go no further. To Emma, who lived a very complicated, painful, empty life up until that point, it was a dream come true. Who's to say what dreams are really made of? Perhaps someday Emma will not just be fantasizing, and her dream really will come true!