"I am not bound to win, but I'm bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I'm bound to live up to what LIGHT I have." Abraham Lincoln
When I was very young, I fell in love with the legacy of Abraham Lincoln after reading a biography in a Best In Children's Books series. I grew up in ILLINOIS, the Land of Lincoln, and on a school trip in eighth grade to Springfield, I was fascinated to see the historical home where he had lived and raised his family and prepared for the presidency. Sometimes people forget that he was born in Kentucky, in a small cabin, before his family migrated north. He taught himself to read by using the family bible. This fact is as impressive to me today as it was when I first learned about it in the biography written for children. Throughout his life, he continued to seek knowledge and improve his education and studied law. He had great strength and at one time was even a rail splitter (he was also a land surveyor). I think that's how the Lincoln Logs toy came about. He also had a flair for storytelling, and of course, is well remembered for his expression and nobility in one of the noblest speeches ever made in our country, the Gettysburg Address, the speech given in 1863 at the dedication of the soldier's cemetey there. He had an amazing, I think, ability to hold his ground in a very rough society, and he did so with sincerity, wisdom and patience. In the midst of so much strife, he persevered and managed his course, sometimes very alone. As a REALTOR, I have found much strength in this man's example, especially this past year. His ultimate strength was his character. His testament and legacy inspire me to this day.
So today, on your birthday, Mr. Lincoln, TOP HATS OFF to you, for your remarkable political skill, for your noble vision, and for your deep compassion for humanity.
P.S. It is also the SECOND birthday of my grandson, Lyric... 
CHEERS!
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Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.
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Love biography's too and you inspire all to learn about this great statesman.
Lincoln was a man of true integrity! Thank you for the post and the quote.
I'm glad you noted this Mara. 200 years old today. I am a big fan of his.
Lincoln was an amazing person. When you look at the failures early in his professional and political life and then his strength and perserverence later in life, it is a truly amazing story. There was no silver spoon or magic elixir - just a guy who had a goal and worked hard to get there.
It is still hard to fathom that you are a grandmother....thats my story and I am sticking to it:)
I recently purchased a book that any Land-of-Lincolner should own- Carl Sandberg's biography of Lincoln. It won him the Pulitzer Prize... it also makes my parents well up with pride as he's the famous person from the same small town.
Mara, Beautifully told, as always. Lincoln was an incredible presidents and will always be admired. And a very happy birthday to Lyric! He looks like a doll and I love the Tee Pee. Did you say grandson??? Are you Kidding?
Andrew - I loved a collection of biographies our family had when I was a kid, and learned about many famous people before I ever heard about them in school. In retrospect, it's really such a testament to the power of storytelling...It's a wonderful way to learn, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by.
Tony - Thanks for stopping by to appreciate the tribute to Lincoln for his 200th!
Gary - I can truly see Lincoln loving your blogs and wanting to be your friend too!
Ryan - I've often thought, too, how he exemplified the human spirit that seems to be inherently designed to overcome human obstacles. His thinking was very TALL!
Bill - you're the sweetest! LOL!
Chuck - that is really cool that your parents were from the same town...in Kentucky, right? Migration patterns always fascinate me...humans migrate so differently from the animal world...although twitter may be on to something, having us develop tweeting bird habits :-)
2 thumbs up! Happy bEARTHday's all around.... and Charles Darwin too!