It was 2007 when the mind of Lin Manuel Miranda began processing the forgotten life of one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. As his initial thoughts turned to rhymes, Lin discovered he had a story to tell. What was once a lost life hanging in the abyss somewhere between promoting the United States Constitution and being put on the ten dollar bill, was now being redeemed for his true worth and recognized for what he brought to the table.
As Lin rediscovered the life of Hamilton, he began to uncover things that had never been discussed before - artifacts that actually applied to our modern day. Although he was greatly aided by Ron Cherno's New York Times Best Seller, Alexander Hamilton, he was able to research all the things that had deepened his curiosity. That was when Lin, in all his brilliance, began the score for a Musical that would take America by storm.
When my sister, Victoria, took me to see Hamilton in Chicago as a graduation gift, I could hardly contain myself. I had studied and listened to the way Lin composed the hit Musical, and couldn’t wait to see it live, right before my very eyes.
(Here is a photo from that night!)
I couldn’t hold back the tears. I was simply in awe. Not only of the talent that graced the stage, but the power behind the formative times they were singing about. One line in particular has always stuck out to me from the musical.
“Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”- Alexander Hamilton, The World Was Wide Enough
Ponder that quote, let it captivate your mind and compel you to begin a work that is pure and hopeful. The idea of legacy is so powerful and when you allow it to resonate within you, and drive you to set goals, and dream in ways that your goals are somehow attainable, it can be life changing.
When I think back to the hard times Hamilton endured and the success that he brought to himself through his own hard work and determination, I cannot help but be inspired.
He fought his way into the room where everything happened.
He wrote 51 of the 85 Federalist papers single handedly.
He chose his country - He chose freedom.
Alexander Hamilton’s legacy will live on for generations to come...
