Ow! My head…sheesh, what in the world did I hit it on? I thought, feeling a terribly pain ricocheting all over my skull. Fluttering my eyes open, my heart stopped. I was definitely not in Georgia anymore.
“Careful dear, when I found you, you had a terrible gash on your head,” said a kind voice, belonging to a dark-eyed, middle-aged woman. She had brown locks, with gray spread throughout and held herself confidently, though by no means proudly. Her attire was simple, yet I could instantly tell that it was well-made.
Tucked underneath her cap, she had fixed her hair like so, while a beautiful necklace graced her neck. The oval gem was a striking crimson and took center stage on the silver chain. Complementing the red, she wore a blackberry hued dress with a ribbon around the waist that tied at the back in a bow. Her sleeves were long and tight, as opposed to some…odd contraption that was attached to the top of the dress. It covered her chest and throat, giving off a more full-figure appearance.
“Oh! Thank you,” I finally said, realizing I had been silent for too long, “for taking me in. I really do appreciate it.” Quick! Think of a believable story! said my brain, which I was quite inclined to agree with. “My brother and I were out picking berries, and I’m afraid I’ve never been very directionally gifted,” I gave her a sheepish smile, “I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused.”
She shook her head, gentle expression on her face. “Oh no, it was not any trouble at all. I only did feel badly for you, when George sent a message to me to say that he had found a young woman unconscious. You took a hard tumble down that hill.” Suddenly, she laughed. “Where are my manners? I’m Martha Washington.”
Martha Washington? THE Martha Washington? I thought, green eyes growing wider. “You mean, that is to say, that your husband is George Washington?”
Martha nodded. “You would be correct.”
Wow. Ok…so somehow I time traveled back to the American Revolution. I suppose there could be a worse time in history. Like the Black Plague. Now THAT would be bad. But George Washington! This is crazy.
“If you would like a bite to eat…?”
“Lanie.”
“Lanie,” Martha repeated, “then you are welcome to come downstairs and join us for dinner.” With that said, she gave me another motherly expression and exited out of the room.
When she left, I took a deep breath. Ok, let’s think about this logically…despite the fact that time-traveling defies every logical explanation there is. I came sometime during the American Revolution. I am in the house of George and Martha Washington. I had to stop myself right there. The history nerd in me was freaking out! Who gets the opportunity to potentially meet the first president of the United States? Basically no one – well, from my time period anyway. I could not miss this chance!
My eye suddenly realized exactly what color this room was…blue. And by blue, I mean blue. It was over-the-top in my opinion, but hey, we all have our quirks. Maybe the Washington’s had a thing for blue. There was a huge fireplace in the room that had clearly been started by the red, orange, and yellow flames flickering within it.
I grinned. Yes. A fireplace in the bedroom. If that wasn’t awesome, I didn’t know what was! But back to my observations. Glancing up, I noticed that I was lying in a canopy bed. I’ve always wanted a canopy bed! I thought happily, wishing that I had my iPhone…but apparently, time-travel doesn’t count for cellphones.
As I scooted off the bed, I suddenly noticed that I was no longer wearing my UGGS, jeans, and cozy sweater. Yep, time-travel changes your outfits. Although, I suppose that was a good thing – seeing as how people would probably have a heart attack if they saw a girl wearing pants. And I had always wanted to wear these sorts of dresses.
~~~
“Mr. Washington?”
George Washington glanced up at me, and I fiddled with my fingers nervously. Nothing like standing in front of the first president of the United States to make one nervous.
“Yes?”
“I, well, I was wondering…if I could ask you a question?”
He sighed – not in annoyance, more of a weary sound. “I suppose I have time for one question,” the beloved American hero said.
Ok. This is my chance. A once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity. Self, do NOT mess this up! my mind shouted. Taking a deep breath, I asked softly, “Mr. Washington, you are such an incredible leader and have done so much for us. What makes you keep serving, even when most people would feel that they have done their fair share? What would be your advice to future leaders in government?” Oops. I asked two questions. “Oh! I’m sorry, that was two. You don’t have to answer both,” I quickly said apologetically.
His tired eyes that spoke of nights filled with little sleep, looked at me. “Considering the maturity of your questions,” George Washington said, “I believe I can answer both. To your first one, I have a desire and passion for liberty, freedom. How can I expect the outcome I desire, if I do not do my part? Regarding your second, leaders should never take their position for granted. Power is not something to be taken lightly, it is a responsibility. Matthew 20:26 says, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Leaders are not to be above their followers; they should be servants – to be the first one helping, in the line of fire. Being an example.” He fell silent briefly, thinking…pondering. “And any leader should have a relationship with the Lord. He is the only one who can truly direct a leader in the decisions he must make, in the actions he will have to take.”
Wow…I thought, he really is, err was. Ok…not sure what tense to use, but such a wonderful man. With a grateful expression, I said genuinely, “Thank you sir. I truly appreciate what you have done and continue to do.”
He looked back at me, a thoughtful expression on his face.
And it was then that I disappeared.
Southern Dreamer 