A delight shared. A memory made. An agreement formed.

11 states in the confederate. 9 million people total. A third, 3.5 million, slaves. Emancipated, Jan 1st, 1963. “all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.”

If you look for it, that doesn’t change when it will arrive. It changes how quickly you will notice when it arrives. And possibly if you notice it at all.

It became a routine, a ritual. The inconveniences, the hiccups, the expected delays. Now jokes, now anticipated laughter.

An imagination greater than reality. A battle which couldn’t be won. So, many were lost.