Special just like everyone else

It is amazing to me how I have to learn this lesson over and over: that I am special just like everyone else.  I know I am not the center of the universe... still... I find myself in the rear seat thinking that everyone who agrees with me, sees things the same way I do, must be wise because they get it in the way I do.   Really I know that we need the whole range of perspectives to get ourselves looking out other windows. 
Really, believing that someone simply made a wrong turn at Lake Calhoun keeps me focused on myself, special all alone.

When I was small we used to fight for the seat

in the station wagon

Facing the car behind us.

Now I shudder at the thought.

But then

We waved at the drivers,

Waited for them to wave back.

When we went to the 4^th of July fireworks

I knew everyone was going

To the same place.

It was simply so exciting that I was sure

No one would miss it.

Even when we went to Grandma and Grandpa*s house

On Lake of the Isles

I thought everyone must be going there too

But perhaps they made a wrong turn

At Lake Calhoun.

Now that rear-facing seats are known

To be dangerous

Maybe children don*t entertain

The same thoughts

Anymore.

Now

I am older by a lot.

I know that everyone is not going

To the same place.

I think it possible that my life is not

The center of the universe.

Still I catch myself in the rear-facing seat.

I wave and think that drivers who wave back

Are more special

Than the drivers

Who don*t.

I wave and wish and believe

That we are all headed to the same place

The fireworks

Grandma and Grandpa*s house

If they only knew.