Friday, July 04, 2008

This is my country

"My soul is rooted deeply in the soil on which I stand, for these are mine, my own United States!" — Don Raye

I might normally use this blog to detail our family's celebration of the 4th of July. To tell you about Riverfest, held in a spacious park along the muddy Mississippi. To mention noshing on a long-awaited supper of Taco John's soft shells and batter-fried cheese curds. To regale of the girls' flying through the air on bungee cords. And best of all, to note how much I loved spending the holiday with my daughters, parents, brother and sister-in-law (and how I missed my own husband, too!).

But plans changed after the evening's grand finale. As spectacular fireworks burst before my eyes, I found myself—a bit unexpectedly—brushing tears from my cheeks as my heart swelled with an uncontrollable pride for being here in the United States. And that's what I feel led to journal now.

Having lived away from my native land for many months, I can see with more clarity both America's faults and merits. Yet while patriotic music accompanied the thunderous explosions overhead, our nation's shortcomings were far from my mind—because I know without a doubt that America is a most amazing, beautiful, and blessed nation. How fortunate I am to spend July 4th in my lovely America. There is so much I adore about traveling abroad, so much to treasure about our adopted home of Costa Rica—but the United States? I cherish her, I love her, and I am so proud to be an American.

Happy Independence Day!

5 comments:

Shelli said...

This will be a 4th you'll never forget.

Justine said...

Beautiful post, Beanie! And the girls look adorable!

Justine :o )

Anonymous said...

Amen. How glad I am to be blessed to live here.

Anonymous said...

: ) Glad you're having such a wonderful vacation, Beanie!!

Anonymous said...

Christine- I felt a wave of emotion seeing the fantastic fireworks this year too ( smae ones as you!). Maybe its my american pride or maybe its because we haven't seen such nice fireworks in a long time.