Dear Martin Luther King, Jr.

(This post was first seen, on this blog, on 1/17/2011).

I was inspired by you the very first time I learned who you were. I was intrigued by the fact that you had a dream and decided to share it with the world, even though you knew that so many would hate you for it.

I use to imagine having a dream that would change the world. I use to wonder, would I share it with millions, even if I believed I would be killed for it? Would I have the courage to stand in front of those who hated me, to stand up for what I believed in?

I always answered no. I was not strong enough. I couldn't be hated. I couldn't be killed.

As a young girl, I didn't realize just how much your dream made my world shine brighter. I was given the chance to live without hating the color of my skin. Given the chance to go to school with all races and never forced to sit at the back of the bus. I was given the chance to know that water fountains at school was for everyone.

Because of you, I can love my husband in broad daylight and he can love me in return. I can't imagine you not sharing your dream. If you hadn't, where would I be? Where would Sean be? We might not be together.

So now I answer yes. I am strong enough. I can be hated. I can be killed. If my dream could make this world a better place, it is my duty to share it.

Today, I am thankful for your dream, for your message, for your sacrifice. You did not die in vain.

Happy Birthday Mr. King. May your dream live on.