Flight.

There is a small unassuming tree in downtown Washington where people are asked to write their wishes on paper tags and tie them to the branches. There are wishes left behind in dozens of different languages and the branches closest to the ground hold the hopes of children who have stood on tip toes to leave their words behind. Each tag is different and holds everything from messages of hope, prayers for happiness or wishes to get through lost love and tough times. Over the long winter months most of the tags are removed and the few left behind fade or fall away. It's been almost two years since my first visit and after returning to the city for spring I found the tree nearly bare aside from budding leaves and a few weathered pieces of paper. On the lowest branch scribbled in little boy's handwriting was this;

"I wish I could fly - Noah"

The paper is meant to be an offering to the tree as the tags are returned to their start. Coming back to the city once again can sometimes be followed with the confusion of fitting back into a place you've changed so much from and these few words couldn't have been a better welcome home. Noah, thank you for dreaming, wishing and sharing your big ambitions with a curious traveler. Sometimes a child's wishes, simple or grand as they may be, are the best way to remind to follow your own.

P.S. Noah, it may not be in the way you imagined it, but as you grow, you will get your chance to soar.

Stretch out those Wings D.C., it's time to fly.

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