I treasure many memories as a mother, such as making the kids unique Easter Baskets even when they grew into adulthood. It was such fun seeing their faces, smiles and the sounds of delight.
Of course, I tried to make birthdays special and other special days, too. Christmas was my favorite time and always a fun gift day with "opening" traditions, song sheets and singing, and even a treasure hunt.
The 4th of July was especially memorable, at least as long as My Honey and I could afford to host the day. It wasn't just a BBQ. No siree. There were flavored hamburgers and hot dogs on the barbee. Apple pie and ice cream Plus Plus. Plus.
I planned. One or two years, there was a croquet game, esles and paints and old fashioned family fun. Those were the days i miss so very much. I only hope it made a difference in the kids lives. Maybe they continued the tradition for their children. I don't know. I think I did a good job being the best mother any child would be proud to have. Life can be good.
Through all the ups and downs, our
family was a picture of he American Dream. Not rich. No IPOs, No fancy autos or watches. Our little family had love for each other. What could ever be better than that.
This special day, the 4th of July, Independence Day...was the Birth of our American Dream. Freedom. And we cherish this day.
It started when British citizens, the Colonists who were sent to settle in the New World. On July 4th, 1776, the Colonies delivered the Declaration of Independence to England’s monarchy. The American Revolution followed. We won and with the ratification by all 13 Colonies, our U.S. Constitution, we were no longer British citizens. We became American citizens. Free people. "We he People" became Legacy Citizens of our Constitutional Republic. It was the "Birth of the American Dream. Freedom for all. The rest is history.
Doesn't it mean we the people are free to pursue the dream we have for our own life? For our kids? Our family?
Every American
citizen has the opportunity to create their own American Dream. Whatever
that means. For you. For me. Not the government's dream, but YOUR
dream.
We’re united because we all want the American Dream. All of us. Thank God, it's here in America for you and me. For all of us.
Every
single American who lives in this great land knows that this country —
from sea to shining sea — is the home of the brave, land of the free,
equal opportunity and your own personal American Dream.
We honor
our forefathers, greats and grands, fathers and sons, brothers and
sisters, mothers and daughters. All who sacrificed so much to establish
and preserve the American way of life for us -- should be honored. We
cherish them and improve upon our rich heritage with each generation.
Our
ancestors are the reason America is a kind, gentle nation; the greatest
place on earth to live and prosper. A home for you and yours, for me
and mine, so we all can enjoy the "better, richer, fuller life." Our own
American Dream.
“We the People” celebrate this great land and
the privilege of being an American citizen. We are the most forgiving,
welcoming, loving people. That’s our way of life. Our tradition. Our
duty. Our honor. Americans have always been united in their love of God
and each other since the beginning.
We all have an equal
opportunity to work hard and enjoy the fruits of our labor without hate
or hindrance. Yes, it's not easy. Yes, it means sacrifice -- giving up
something to gain something else. In America, we each are free to decide our dreams and how to achieve them.
“I
am an American. I love my fellow Americans from my neighbor to the
friends I haven’t met yet. I stand united with those who love and
protect our great nation.”
There’s no doubt that It’s our shared love for God and each other that keeps America strong.
Some
say America has grown in many good and amazing ways. Others say
opportunities for the individual American have been dampened, morality
has taken a downturn; and the family home itself is broken for many.
If our home needs repair, "Get Back to Basics." It's simple: Embrace God and each other.
Hug the good. Choose to get back to being thoughtful. Be an American and all that America stands for.
Love
our flag. Our national anthem. Our pledge of allegiance. Think of
others first. You know, don’t you? Do unto others as you would ask them
to do unto you.
Remember. Kindness is God’s smile that swings open the door to your American Dream.
***
In history, how many lives could have been saved from unimaginable pain
and suffering, as well as death, if only those who could, would have
acted sooner? ***