Thankful to be an American

The other day Ilene wanted to know what the 4th of July was all about. So I sat down and explained to her that we were part of England and the king kept asking for more taxes. The colonists in America decided they had enough and wrote the Declaration of Independence to the king telling them that he was no longer in charge. We then talked about the Revolutionary War and how we won the fight and became our own country.

Then we decided we didn’t want a king and so we voted for a president and other elected officials to represent us.

This morning Ilene decided to ask me again what the 4th of July was all about. I told her we had discussed it just the other day so we rehashed the history lesson in abbreviated form. Then Nathan walked in and asked “What was the Civil War about?” So then we talked about slavery and wanting to stay one country.

Thankfully the Young Men leaders in our ward post a flag in our yard each national and state holiday. I would say this is a Young Men/Scout service, but I have yet to see young men out doing this great deed. I guess it’s a good thing they are working on this fundraiser meant to provide them with funds to go to Scout Camp and other activities!!

We ventured out and do what all good Americans do on any day—we consumed. We went to purchase a pressure cooker, but didn’t find one worth purchasing. But we did find some popsicle molds—I am looking forward to all fruit popsicles since I refuse to eat Otter Pops. We then went to another store and bought new cordless phones since our current pair hold a charge for no more than 1 minute of talking even if the phone has been in the charger for 12 hours.

Then it was off to the grocery store to buy fireworks (dollars going literally up in smoke) and supplies for the mandatory barbeque. First of all, we bought soft ice cream cones at the deli counter. The deli counter has plenty of diversions for the kids like a TV advertising things. Being Independence Day they had replaced all the propaganda with scenes of America accompanied by the national anthem.

As we were eating our ice creams and selecting produce, Ilene came over to me and said “Dad, the music they were playing was the Star-Strangled Banner.” After I guffawed, I informed Ilene that the flag is not choked with stars but rather adorned (spangled) with stars. This is the seven-year old who slices and dices words so literally as to twist words into the complete opposite of what was intended.

As I contemplate this funny episode I have to stop and appreciate all that this great country has to offer.

1. Today, as with every day, I woke up devoid of fear for my own or my family’s safety. I was certain that a marauding bunch of supporters of an undemocratic regime might kill me only for not agreeing with them.

2. I ate blueberry pancakes for breakfast. As I looked at the pantry and refrigerator I realized I had more varieties of food than many people have ever imagined.

3. I organized my closet this morning. In the process, I identified 5 pairs of dress pants that while perfectly suitable are not necessary because I bought new ones last month. I still have many pairs of pants and yet there are people in this country and elsewhere who may not have one pair of pants.

4. I let my kids play outside freely. I wasn’t concerned that a rebel military faction may kidnap one of them and hold them ransom for over 6 years.

5. I traveled where I wanted, when I wanted, and shopped for things that while convenient were not necessary for sustaining life. I did not spend my day traveling a dirt road with a jug on my head in the hopes of returning with enough water to last me only the day.

I could go on and on, but suffice to say we are very blessed to have the liberties and freedoms we enjoy in this United States of America.