Casey Face is just a few weeks ago from launching her dream – a morning food cart serving coffee, tea, donuts, cookies, and baked goods,. and sandwiches. Casey has worked on this dream for years. She is ready to take the leap. She’s ready, waiting only for Dan the Handyman. Casey is the little dream that can and will. Her two girls will definitely be a part of her plan.

Casey started from scratch, did her homework, researched for months and months, and gathered a network of young fellow food entrepreneurs. They are a community, she says. (Above, Casey in her nearly ready horse wagon.)

Why is her journey so important to me and others?

To be honest, one reason is that it reminds me of my life with Maria. We took an oath together to follow our dreams, and while it was often difficult, it was also always rewarding. I promised myself I would always help anyone who has a dream and needs encouragement. She’s done everything else on her own.

Casey evokes this spirit, a deep American tradition in many ways, a good thing to remember in the midst of all the political cannibalism. America has always been about pursuing a dream and following one’s heart. A first-generation immigrant child can become a best-selling author and TV producer.

A troubled Long Island child can pursue her dream of becoming an artist. Casey, the daughter of a food restaurant worker, dreams of selling good coffee, tea, and sandwiches to the people in her town who have no place to go for a good cup of coffee.

We are a nation of dreams, and I believe the dream of any of us is a dream for all of us.  I’m excited to be chronicling Casey’s trip. She has one newborn child and one who is three years old. She has plenty to do but has chosen to carve out her own path and show the world it is possible to be a loving mother and wife and still have a challenging dream.

Come along for the ride. I think it will be worth it.