"I pledge..."

Today I woke up thinking about my script and foster kids.
Most days I wake up thinking about my script and how much money I will make when I finally sell one. I used to visualize my film on the big screen. I used to visualize myself giving a heartfelt speech when I accept my "best original screenplay" award all gushy and eager - like when Ben and Matt accepted their statue for Good Will Hunting. I used to actually think my concept would look exactly on the screen like it did in my head when I put the words on paper.
Now I know better...and I have kids to feed (and put through University), so I think about the money and how many I can crank out before I die.
But before I had kids of my own I thought about all the kids out there who didn't have dreams, or their dreams consisted of food and shelter. I thought about Josephine Baker, who was also from St Louis, who moved to France, bought a castle, and scooped up as many kids as she could, bankrupting herself in the process, but for good cause. I didn't idolize many people - my Nana, and now I realize, Josephine Baker. There are very few gifts you can give back to the world. I believe many celebrities believe their gift is their talent. A small contribution to the happiness of the world. Then there are celebrities like Angelina Jolie who give and give and give - not just in dollars, but in heart. So, what do the common people feel they can pledge when we have far less in physical wealth?
I have put many of my dreams on hold for life. I have put many of my community commitments on hold for the good of my household. One of the dreams I have consistently gone back to and revisisted was my pledge to foster children. This past week, our country saw a new President introduced to the world as he accepted his responsibility proudly and with vigor. He pledged to make our world a better place and asked in return, "what do you pledge"? A slew of celebrity supporters also fell into line with their public pledges, encouraging the general masses to do the same.
I remembered the pledges I have made repeatedly and then did not follow in course of action, for whatever reason, and realized in that moment. It is time. It is time for everyone to step up and do something. My pledge is not for the future it is for now. If the smallest thing I feel I can contribute is being a great parent, and encouraging one small child (besides my own) to find a glimmer of hope and believe their dreams can come true - who am I to put that off for another day - even another minute?