Only in America

Day 83.

I had another bad day yesterday. I was super tired, my stomach was bad and my mouth was a level 7/8. I'm not sure what's going on.

BUT, I do know what's going on today. It's July 4th - Independence Day. I will pay my respects to this day.

What do I think of when I think, "4th of July?"

1. We are so fortunate to live in the United States of America. We have so many things in this country that people from around the world could only wish they had.

I was at the park a few weeks ago when I overheard one lady speaking to two girls, both under the age of 18. She was telling them how, "America is such a bad place. There are bad people here, with a government that only makes bad decisions." It took everything in me to keep quiet, as I could not have disagreed with her more. I was frustrated and felt an anger that I do not like to feel. If America is really so bad - if our current government is really so bad - then no one is forcing anyone to be here!

We have men and women who are currently serving this country, who are risking their lives and being taken away from their families and their friends - men and women who are doing this now and who have done this for as long as this country has achieved its independence. I believe that these people are truly heroes - they deserve the utmost respect.

2. I think of Eric Church's Song, "How Bout You."

"I cover my heart with my hat,
When they fly that Red, White and Blue,
Just like my Daddy taught me:
How 'bout you?"

3. I think of my Father's passion towards the American Flag every 4th of July. This resonates with me. He is as American as they come. My Father even makes American Flag art for people. My Father assembles and my Mother does the painting on these (yes, each and every one of those stars!)



4. I think of many 4th's, being with good friends and family in Minnesota. I remember back to that feeling when we're listening to "God Bless the USA," and they say, "From the Lakes of Minnesota...."

5. Finally, I think of Brooks 'n Dunn's entire song, "Only in America."

"Sun coming up over New York City
School bus driver in a traffic jam
Starin' at the faces in her rearview mirror
Looking at the promise of the Promised Land
One kid dreams of fame and fortune
One kid helps pay the rent
One could end up going to prison
One just might be president

Only in America
Dreaming in red, white and blue
Only in America
Where we dream as big as we want to
We all get a chance
Everybody gets to dance
Only in America

Sun going down on an La. freeway
Newlyweds in the back of a limousine
A welder's son and a banker's daughter
All they want is everything
She came out here to be an actress
He was the singer in a band
They just might go back to Oklahoma
And talk about the stars they could have been

Only in America
Where we dream in red, white and blue
Only in America
Where we dream as big as we want to
We all get a chance
Everybody gets to dance
Only in America

Yeah only in America
Where we dream in red, white and blue
Yeah we dream as big as we want to."

Enjoy your 4th of July - appreciate the day - and smile, when you remember that we live in America!