Perchance To Dream….

You may say that I'm a dreamer....but I'm not the only one...

You might be wondering what has prompted me to begin an article with the words of John Lennon from the song Imagine. Well, it was all triggered as I was watching the movie Wonka the other night. It's not my absolute favorite movie, but we liked it enough to buy the blu-ray to add to our collection.

I was kind of half watching the movie when a spoken line from the story had impact on me. Wonka's mom told the future chocolate maker, “every good thing in this world started with a dream.” I found that to be profound. A little self reflection on my life experiences verified on a personal basis the truism of those words. All, the good things in my life had their genesis in the dreams of my youth (and some in my more mature years as well). Dreams are the seeds of imagination, the fuel for ambition, and the foundation upon which great achievements are built. They are the whispers of our deepest desires, the visions that propel us forward, and the catalysts for change.

An we don't have to look too hard to find examples where dreams are the catalyst of uplifting humankind.

Consider the marvels of human civilization: towering skyscrapers, breathtaking works of art, revolutionary scientific discoveries—all began as mere dreams in the minds of individuals. The Wright brothers dreamed of flight before they ever took to the skies. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of equality before it started becoming a reality. Steve Jobs dreamed of putting a computer in every home before Apple revolutionized technology.

But it should be noted, however, dreams alone are not enough. They must be accompanied by determination, hard work, and perseverance. Walt Disney didn't just dream of creating Disneyland; he labored tirelessly to turn his vision into a reality. Marie Curie didn't just dream of unraveling the mysteries of radiation; she devoted her life to scientific research. Every success story is a testament to the resilience and fortitude required to transform dreams into achievements.

Dreams possess a remarkable power—they have the ability to transcend boundaries, defy limitations, and inspire action. They ignite passion within us, pushing us to pursue what others deem impossible. Without dreams, progress would stagnate, innovation would cease, and humanity would be deprived of its greatest triumphs.

Additionally, dreams have the power to unite us. They connect individuals with shared aspirations, fostering collaboration and cooperation.

So I agree with Mr. Wonka's mom, every good thing—every invention, every discovery, every act of kindness—originates from a dream. Dreams are the genesis of progress, the spark that ignites innovation, and the driving force behind human endeavor.

It was a very young me that dreamed that one day my voice would be heard by others on the radio. Despite setbacks, and realizing weaknesses I had to improve, the dream kept me going, and I have had the honor of fulfilling my dream the last 32 years with you in southern Utah. Thank you for letting me live my dream.

And to you I say, dare to dream, for in the pursuit of our dreams, we discover the boundless potential of the human spirit.