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At the Liberty Bell

We were in Philadelphia Pennsylvania touring the sites around Independence Square. We had about 90 people with us. At one point after we had completed the official group tour, we turned everyone loose for free time to go see what personally interested them.

Some of my people went back to the Liberty Bell. In that group was one dear sister named Carol. Carol is blind. As everyone else stood and gazed admiringly at the Liberty Bell, a sweet young woman—one of the park rangers, walked over to Carol and asked her if she would like to ‘feel’ the bell. She then gave Carol a pair of white gloves and led her—and only her, inside the barrier forward to actually touch the Liberty Bell. Carol walked around the Bell feeling it with her gloved hands. She came to the crack in the Bell and ran her hand up its length.

I was not there but the members of my group came back and told me what an emotional and touching experience it was, especially as another Park Ranger had leaned over to them and told them what a “rare” experience it was to have that opportunity. Many tears were shed.

Carol later told me with restrained emotion that her whole body tingled as she touched the Bell. It was a choice and beautiful experience for all involved.

I have been unable to get it off my mind. To me that moment means everything to America’s future. The happiness of this entire nation going forward is represented and symbolized by what happened that day at the Liberty Bell.

Philadelphia is the city of Brotherly love, it was founded upon the principles of love, kindness, and patience with the differences of others. Philadelphia certainly lived up to the ideals of William Penn at that moment.

What do we do when someone we know does not see things the way we do? Do we ignore them, shun them or worse yet, hate and vilify them? Or, do we take them by the hand in kindness and love and gently, patiently lead them know what we know.

The liberty and happiness of the people of America from this day forward will be directly proportional to their love and patience with one another. Let not the love of men wax cold in our land and in our hearts.

Written from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, May 3, 2022