"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die."

That Guy and I were out on a run the other day, when out of the blue he says, "It's sad there are no memorable quotes from the TV show That Girl." I almost came to a complete stop. I never contemplated the idea that That Guy had a thing for That Girl. (Marlo Thomas for those of you not of our generation).

About 200 meters later I was recovered enough to reply, "not a single one?" He went on to describe other shows memorable quotes, "Meathead", "What you talkin bout Willis?"  "Mork calling Orson", "You look lovely today Mrs. Cleaver. Thank you Eddie." 

I wasn't sure what to make of this recent nostalgia conversation. We haven't been running long distances so it can't be fatigue hallucinations.  Eventually he asked if I had a favorite quote. I did, but it didn't come from a TV show. 

It is a quote from the late Senator Edward Kennedy, "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die."

The original quote, made at the 1980 Democrat Convention is a reflection of the work still to be done to achieve equality and opportunities for all persons. It is relevant in today's political environment and also my effort to remain a runner.

"The work goes on..." 

Our country is slipping backward in its stated mission, "All men are created equal.." We are seeing people losing their rights to express themselves, make decisions for themselves, being discriminated against because of who their parents are, who they love, whether they support the agenda of our President.

Every day is another in the pursuit of the goal of being a runner. Some days it's heading out the door to do a run/walk workout. Another day it's doing the strengthening exercises to keep me strong and balanced so I don't injure myself...again.

"...the cause endures..."

The striving for equal rights, has been ongoing since the founding of our country. The majority fear of the minority becoming an equal partner has been a constant throughout our history. What progress has been made appears to be slipping.

Running goals change over time. Once it was to be faster, then to be faster than a year ago, then to run marathons, now to continue running into my twilight years and beyond. 

"...the hope still lives..."

This experiment in democracy is fragile. It feels like it is at a tipping point. But also there are people of passion who are fighting to keep it alive and not surrender to the authoritarianism of the billionaire elite. 

Each day that I break into a run during my workout, I feel, or more likely remember, the effortlessness of running. The joy of play, the rhythm of left, right, repeat. I feel or remember my youth.

"...and the dream shall never die."

As long as we have compassion for others, believe in the Golden Rule, believe in equality, and stand up to tyrants the dream of a more perfect union can endure.

"To slow down as slowly as possible." Another favorite quote from Olympic marathon gold and silver medalist Frank Shorter. That is the dream, to run, not as fast or as far as possible, but for as long as possible. 

                           John Carlos,1968 Olympic                 Evelyn Lee at the start line

                           100m Silver Medalist