Why this song? Because yesterday was the Palm Springs Desert AIDS Walk to benefit the Desert AIDS Project and the lyrics just fit so well!
Elvis sang “If I Can Dream”, and he sang it well, but no surprise my favorite rendition is by Barry Manilow.
I’ve gotten to know the Desert AIDS Project and the wonderful people who tirelessly and endlessly make things happen. I have such deep respect for the dynamic energy and kindness of David Brinkman, the CEO of DAP and his staff. The work they do; assisting over 2,300 clients who are infected with HIV/AIDS, offering free and confidential testing to anyone who thinks they might be at risk, educating the community in how to avoid the disease and sharing with all us all the facts about Aids, tearing away misconceptions and fear from those who choose to turn a blind and bigoted eye. These people are an inspiration that you can’t morally ignore.
I also have two, new to my life, dear friends who are infected. Both victims of poor choices which they completely own and accept as their own doing. But they don’t wallow in self pity or search for blame. They do what they can for the greater good.
One man, Paul Gallegos is straight, married with four young children. By the grace of God, they’re healthy.. He started the “Intersection Project” here in the Valley to get the word out, “be tested, it’s not GIV it’s HIV”. I’ve interviewed him and we’ve become part of his beautiful family. He’s a man you want to know, the sort of human who makes you have faith humanity is going to be just fine.
Another friend is gay. Nicholas Snow. He’s an actor, singer, journalist and activist. He’s written and performed “The Power To Be Strong” which is a free download on the Desert AIDS Project site. He too is doing what he can, and he too makes me want to be a better person.
Perhaps this cause is especially important to me because years ago, thirty to be exact, before AIDS was spoken of, before we understood, there was a possibility that my Mother’s death from kidney failure was hastened by contracting a unknown virus from blood transfusions she’d received years before anyone knew that a life saving treatment could in fact be deadly. It’s too late for her, but not for millions who can be saved if only we all take the time to learn, understand and care.
I spent too long a time in life, living in a bubble. Caring about the world around me from a distance, not getting involved. Apathy perhaps. But as my life evolved so did my attention. I learned you don’t have to do a lot, you don’t need a fortune to help, just some time, some effort to do just a little bit.
For the first time since I’ve lived in the gorgeous city, I made no excuses for not attending. From the moment the date was set, I was on board, my volunteer papers filled out. IAnd because I talk and write so much about DAP, my youngest son who this year is a high school freshman, chose DAP as his community service organization and so he and his best friend joined me.
It wasn’t a chore or an obligation. But an honor we shouldn’t be thanked for, but rather should say thanks for the opportunity to be a part of. It was a joy to see the hundreds of people walking, volunteering, smiling as they enjoyed the wonderful entertainment.
Celebrity mc Scott Nevins wowed the crowd, as he always does, with his talents as well wonderful performances by Julie Garnye, Stephanie Renee Wall and local performers who came out to give their support. Great food from Subway, Koffee and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, to name a few rounded out a memorable day. Being part of something so great, was not only fun but a good feeling.
In the grand scheme of things, we did little, so many others do so much more. Our task was directing walkers to stay on the routes course, cheering for them and thanking them for being there. Yet it inspired me to do more next time, at the next event, spread the word, get more people involved. It also opened to my son, on his way to the man he’ll be in the blink of an eye, that this is what you do, this is what a community does for each other, a little something, is shared with others and gradually spreads through the country and hopefully through the world. A little bit at a time, an hour here, a dollar there. One day, hopefully sooner than later, the world can be a better place.
All good things start with a vision, a dream of someone who sees the light of goodness at the end of the tunnel, and each of us has the chance and choice to help make that dream a reality ”Out there in the dark, there’s a beckoning candle. And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream come true……right now”.
So to get back to the start, that’s the reason this song came to mind today.
When you hear the song, pay attention to the lyrics, absorb them and please do what you can to make all the dreams for a better place come true.
“IF I CAN DREAM” Walter Earl Brown
There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can’t my dream come true Oh why
There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won’t that sun appear
We’re lost in a cloud With too much rain We’re trapped in a world That’s troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly
Deep in my heart there’s a tremblin’ question Still I am sure that the answer, answer’s gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there’s a beckoning candle, yeah And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true……right now