As I reflect on the 250th Birthday of America, I can’t help but feel hopeful and positive about the future of America. I grew up in a different country, with much love but humble beginnings. So, it hits different when you weren’t born in America, but get to celebrate being an American.
America is a place that represents freedom and the opportunity to pursue your dreams and make your dreams a reality. To pursue an education, to raise the next generation, work hard, save, invest and rise, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s a place where your dreams can still become a reality. I worked really hard as a teacher, occupational therapist, mom of two, being a wife, and volunteering when I could. And then-tragedy struck. My world came crashing down when I was diagnosed with aggressive, stage 3A cancer. I was scared and hit rock bottom. Not knowing if I would survive.
But, there was a light in my darkness. It was the American healthcare workers. They took the best MRI pictures, and gave their personal cell numbers so that the surgeon could text them if they didn’t get it on time. They saw my tears drop on my cheeks when the chemotherapy was about to enter my body, and didn’t look the other way but sat with me even with their busy schedules. Everyone from the patient transporters, nurses, technicians, oncologists, and surgeons provided that human touch, complex problem solving, and innovative care that I needed. Because that is the American way. Now that I am healed, I find ways to give back in and around my community. I pour myself into my work working with families and children who have special needs and challenges. America is a culture built on diversity, service, compassion, grit, courage and determination.
I would not have gotten the level of innovative, and compassionate care that I received right here in the United States than anywhere else in the world. It was life changing and I got a second chance at life.
The sky is the limit for America- from landing on the moon, to building some of the world’s biggest and best inventions, to being a leader in artificial intelligence, education, medical advancements and having the strongest military in the world. These accomplishments should be celebrated. Americans are known around the world for their creativity, bravery, heart, advancements, and patriotism.
America is not perfect, and has had its share of heartaches, tragedies and devastation. We can learn from the past mistakes and carve out a better outcome from it. We all have a part to play in building the future of America that our children and their children’s children will inherit. We can leave this place better than we found it. So, let’s start with uniting to celebrate the 250th birthday of the home of the Brave and land of the Free.
Some ways you can celebrate with your family and friends, as you reflect on what America means to you are:
1. Plan a party to celebrate the occasion. Have guests wear red, white, and blue colors for a theme.
2. Take your family to a fireworks display at a public park.
3. Plan a little outing and visit a local museum or historical site.
4. There are plenty of local parades, concerts and festivals around the area.
5. Take time to volunteer at a food bank, shelter, or veterans’ organization.
Let Freedom ring!
