Let Freedom Ring

This 4th of July weekend I just want to say that I love my country. There are many places I have lived around the world. I have a great respect for the people I've met who come from diverse cultures and countries. Some places get into your heart in an instant (like London and Soraksan) and there are many countries where I would be happy to live.

That being said...I love the USA. Deep in the core of my identity I am an American Girl. Disneyworld was my backyard playgroud growing up, I watched the first Space Shuttle take off in the predawn light from 1/2 a mile away. My grandma's apple pie is still the best I've ever had and no matter where I go when I see our flag flying I feel safer. One of the first passages I ever memorized was the Pledge of Allegiance. (Turns out they don't do that in kindergarten in Canada by the way.)

On September 11, 2001, I wept and worried and shook in the marrow of my bones with anger and determination. To this day hearing "God Bless America" catches at my heart.
So this weekend I will take a minute to wish my Yankee Doodle Grandma Foster a Happy 90th Birthday. I will attend my 8 year old son's baptism into our church and I will remember the many blessings I enjoy because I live in the 'land of the free and home of the brave.' And I will thank God for all of them. Let freedom ring in our hearts, in our homes, and in our nation.

(Artwork by Simon Dewey)