My Dear Adia,
I think about your future quite often. I think of what you'll be like as a teenager. I think of the boys that will be trying to win your heart. I think of the man you will choose to marry.
Over the years, you will read the fairy tales of all the happily-ever-afters. You will hear people talk about finding 'the one'. You may start to believe in what you hear and see in movies or read in books. But I want to assure you, there is no perfect 'one' person out there for you. There isn't a singular soul-mate out there waiting to stumble upon you.
There will be many different men that you could be happy and in love with for the rest of your life... the choice is yours as to who you choose to be 'the one'. The decision is completely in your hands. Choose very carefully though.
The term soul-mate has recently attained a new connotation for me. There will be friends and family that you have a deep connection with. These people will know who you truly are without needing you to talk about yourself. They will know your desires and dreams. They will be your encouragement when you lose faith in yourself. They will recognize your sadness even though you don't share it, and they will comfort you in a way only they can. They will love you unconditionally, no matter your mistakes. My mom, my dad, and you are collectively, each for your own individual reasons, my soul-mate; the love of my life. And when I picture my life without one of you or all of you, I have a feeling of no control and complete hopelessness. I am happiest when I have all three of you around me. You are home to me.
I hope you find that home in others when you get older. It may be with friends, it may be with the man you choose to marry, or it may be with me. You will know who they are though. When you feel like you don't need walls around your heart or thoughts, you are with your soul-mate.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Potty Training...
My silly Adia,
You will probably roll your eyes and hang your head when I tell this story in years to come. And when you have a child, I hope you find humor in the these situations as well.
Shortly after you turned 2 years old, we bought you a potty. We went to Target and let you choose your potty. Of course you picked the pink one with a princess crown, that played music. We thought it was really cute so we went ahead and purchased that potty. When it was time to start using the potty, the cute factor went right out the window.
Potty training day 1, you were so excited to sit on your own princess potty! You sat down and pointed for me to leave the bathroom. I left the bathroom and a few seconds later I heard the music go off. I was walking into the bathroom smiling, so excited and ready to praise you... and you were running out in horror. The music that played when you pee-peed scared the ever-living life out of you! The cute, pink, musical potty was now an evil torture device....
You refused to get back on the potty. I showed you how fun the music was by pouring water into it and dancing around when the music played. You were not impressed. I even took the music part out of the potty, so it became a regular potty. I showed you how it wouldn't play music by pouring more water into it. You weren't convinced. You would cry and say, "Scary potty.." So I decided to let you heal from that experience for a few weeks.. but later, every time I would try to get you to use your potty you would freak out.
So now 7 months later, I got a seat that just fits on the big potty. Yesterday was the first day of the second potty training experience. You will sit on the big potty and you are perfectly content. You just won't pee-pee. We sit, we wait, you get down, pull-up goes on and then you pee. Every time. Day 2 is much of the same. You are just too silly, Adia. I don't know what I am going to do with you. I know you can use the potty, you just don't want to. Last night you said, "I want baby diaper." And I asked, "You want a baby diaper so you can be a baby again?'' Your reply was simply: "Yes."
Even though I would love to keep you as a baby, you are growing up. You have to go potty like a big girl. So I'm going to keep putting you on the potty, and one of these times you are going to forget to hold it and you will pee-pee!!! Hopefully....
I love you and your independent, sometimes rebellious nature. Things hardly go as planned, and nothing is typical with you except you doing what Miss Adia decides to do when you decide to do it. Thankfully, most of the time all your antics are hilarious and entertaining. Thanks for keeping me laughing, now just pee-pee in the potty!!
You will probably roll your eyes and hang your head when I tell this story in years to come. And when you have a child, I hope you find humor in the these situations as well.
Shortly after you turned 2 years old, we bought you a potty. We went to Target and let you choose your potty. Of course you picked the pink one with a princess crown, that played music. We thought it was really cute so we went ahead and purchased that potty. When it was time to start using the potty, the cute factor went right out the window.
Potty training day 1, you were so excited to sit on your own princess potty! You sat down and pointed for me to leave the bathroom. I left the bathroom and a few seconds later I heard the music go off. I was walking into the bathroom smiling, so excited and ready to praise you... and you were running out in horror. The music that played when you pee-peed scared the ever-living life out of you! The cute, pink, musical potty was now an evil torture device....
You refused to get back on the potty. I showed you how fun the music was by pouring water into it and dancing around when the music played. You were not impressed. I even took the music part out of the potty, so it became a regular potty. I showed you how it wouldn't play music by pouring more water into it. You weren't convinced. You would cry and say, "Scary potty.." So I decided to let you heal from that experience for a few weeks.. but later, every time I would try to get you to use your potty you would freak out.
So now 7 months later, I got a seat that just fits on the big potty. Yesterday was the first day of the second potty training experience. You will sit on the big potty and you are perfectly content. You just won't pee-pee. We sit, we wait, you get down, pull-up goes on and then you pee. Every time. Day 2 is much of the same. You are just too silly, Adia. I don't know what I am going to do with you. I know you can use the potty, you just don't want to. Last night you said, "I want baby diaper." And I asked, "You want a baby diaper so you can be a baby again?'' Your reply was simply: "Yes."
Even though I would love to keep you as a baby, you are growing up. You have to go potty like a big girl. So I'm going to keep putting you on the potty, and one of these times you are going to forget to hold it and you will pee-pee!!! Hopefully....
I love you and your independent, sometimes rebellious nature. Things hardly go as planned, and nothing is typical with you except you doing what Miss Adia decides to do when you decide to do it. Thankfully, most of the time all your antics are hilarious and entertaining. Thanks for keeping me laughing, now just pee-pee in the potty!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
The Meaning...
Adia,
When I found out I was having a little baby girl, I pondered a few different names. But I was certain Adia would be your name. It is a beautiful and very uncommon name. I wanted a special name for my special baby. So how did I decide 100% on this name?
When I was 14 years old, I got a Sarah McLachlan CD and a song named 'Adia' soon became my favorite song. I remember my little teenage-self telling my mom while riding in her Blazer, "When I grow up and have a baby, I want to name her Adia." I loved the way the name sounded; it was so different.
Flash forward 10 years later, I have a baby girl growing in my womb and it's time to pick out a name. I think back to my love of the name Adia and ask your Daddy if he likes it. He agrees that he wants an uncommon name, a name that's different from the norm. We wanted a name that would stand out among all the other typical girl names. The next step was to look up the actual meaning of the name Adia. Seeing the meaning of Adia sealed the deal for both of us.
Adia :: meaning Gift, in Swahili
Adia :: meaning Gift from God, in Hebrew
You are definitely a gift from God. Not only to me, but to everyone you see. You pick out the scariest people in my eyes, (the big, old, scruffy, tattooed, thug-looking men) and you smile, wave and say "Hiiiiii!!" They can't help but to smile and say "Hi" back to you. When we go through the check out line in Wal-mart, the cashier can be the type that doesn't talk to us and just wants her shift to be over (can't blame her) but you smile and tell her "Thank you, Byyyye!" She smiles back at you, and says "Bye, baby." We can be walking around downtown; pass by a group of men and when they see you they all stop talking and smile.
I believe you can warm the coldest of hearts, you can brighten the dullest days, you can bring joy to the saddest eyes. You are God's gift to this old, cruel world. I hope you stay this happy, joyous, and confident. And with a name like Adia, I think the odds are in your favor that you will always be a unique and wonderful gift to everyone you meet in your lifetime.
I love you more than words can say, Adia. Thank you for being you.
When I found out I was having a little baby girl, I pondered a few different names. But I was certain Adia would be your name. It is a beautiful and very uncommon name. I wanted a special name for my special baby. So how did I decide 100% on this name?
When I was 14 years old, I got a Sarah McLachlan CD and a song named 'Adia' soon became my favorite song. I remember my little teenage-self telling my mom while riding in her Blazer, "When I grow up and have a baby, I want to name her Adia." I loved the way the name sounded; it was so different.
Flash forward 10 years later, I have a baby girl growing in my womb and it's time to pick out a name. I think back to my love of the name Adia and ask your Daddy if he likes it. He agrees that he wants an uncommon name, a name that's different from the norm. We wanted a name that would stand out among all the other typical girl names. The next step was to look up the actual meaning of the name Adia. Seeing the meaning of Adia sealed the deal for both of us.
Adia :: meaning Gift, in Swahili
Adia :: meaning Gift from God, in Hebrew
You are definitely a gift from God. Not only to me, but to everyone you see. You pick out the scariest people in my eyes, (the big, old, scruffy, tattooed, thug-looking men) and you smile, wave and say "Hiiiiii!!" They can't help but to smile and say "Hi" back to you. When we go through the check out line in Wal-mart, the cashier can be the type that doesn't talk to us and just wants her shift to be over (can't blame her) but you smile and tell her "Thank you, Byyyye!" She smiles back at you, and says "Bye, baby." We can be walking around downtown; pass by a group of men and when they see you they all stop talking and smile.
I believe you can warm the coldest of hearts, you can brighten the dullest days, you can bring joy to the saddest eyes. You are God's gift to this old, cruel world. I hope you stay this happy, joyous, and confident. And with a name like Adia, I think the odds are in your favor that you will always be a unique and wonderful gift to everyone you meet in your lifetime.
I love you more than words can say, Adia. Thank you for being you.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Your Memsie...
Adia,
I could not have asked for a better Mama. And you could not have a better Memsie! She is such a special woman in so many ways. I want to share a glimpse of my relationship with Memsie through the years and your blossoming relationship with her.
Memsie is my best friend. She has always been my best friend. I have always felt very proud of the special relationship my mom and I have.. I can only hope and pray that you and I will one day have this same relationship. Growing up my mom was a perfect mother. She was extremely patient, slow to anger, nurturing, loving and selfless. I never longed for attention. She was always around to give me encouragement, reassurance, hugs and kisses. I always had my needs met and she payed attention to anything I was interested in.
Memsie can make anything fun. She could make driving to the flea market into an exciting adventure! She'd wake me and Uncle Adam up on Saturday mornings to take us on one of her magical adventures. We'd end up at the flea market, the beach, the park, the mall, Walmart, or maybe McDonalds. Yes, those places were very exciting to us as young children! One day that adventure took me to sign up for Girls Scouts. Once I got into middle school, the surprise adventures turned into a Saturday morning tradition of going to either Hardee's or Chick-fil-A for a chicken biscuit. Memsie and I did the biscuit tradition until we moved to Savannah.
During middle school and high school, some friends of mine would comment on the relationship my mom and I had.. they thought it was nice that I was so close to my mom. I would openly say that my Mom was my best friend. A lot of teenagers go through a stage where they strongly dislike their Mom and completely shut them out of their life. I never went through that stage. I knew I needed my mom, still do. I stayed out of a lot of trouble during my teens and I chalk that up to having such a close relationship with my mom.
Even though my mom has been my best friend, there were still rules and I have always respected her. There's never been a time when I thought I knew better than my mom about something. She still knows better than I do about things! She has definitely helped me with becoming a mom myself.
Memsie loves you to pieces. She's so good with you. And oh, so, patient. Watching her interact with you makes me feel like an inadequate mom compared to her. When she's hurting and sick, she stills gets down on the floor or marches around the kitchen with you. When her back is killing her, she stills holds you and loves on you. That's some unconditional love!
She inspires me to be a great mom. If I am half as wonderful as she is, then I'll be happy. And all the credit to me being a good mom goes directly to her. She is simply amazing as a mom and as a Memsie.
I could not have asked for a better Mama. And you could not have a better Memsie! She is such a special woman in so many ways. I want to share a glimpse of my relationship with Memsie through the years and your blossoming relationship with her.
Memsie is my best friend. She has always been my best friend. I have always felt very proud of the special relationship my mom and I have.. I can only hope and pray that you and I will one day have this same relationship. Growing up my mom was a perfect mother. She was extremely patient, slow to anger, nurturing, loving and selfless. I never longed for attention. She was always around to give me encouragement, reassurance, hugs and kisses. I always had my needs met and she payed attention to anything I was interested in.
Memsie can make anything fun. She could make driving to the flea market into an exciting adventure! She'd wake me and Uncle Adam up on Saturday mornings to take us on one of her magical adventures. We'd end up at the flea market, the beach, the park, the mall, Walmart, or maybe McDonalds. Yes, those places were very exciting to us as young children! One day that adventure took me to sign up for Girls Scouts. Once I got into middle school, the surprise adventures turned into a Saturday morning tradition of going to either Hardee's or Chick-fil-A for a chicken biscuit. Memsie and I did the biscuit tradition until we moved to Savannah.
During middle school and high school, some friends of mine would comment on the relationship my mom and I had.. they thought it was nice that I was so close to my mom. I would openly say that my Mom was my best friend. A lot of teenagers go through a stage where they strongly dislike their Mom and completely shut them out of their life. I never went through that stage. I knew I needed my mom, still do. I stayed out of a lot of trouble during my teens and I chalk that up to having such a close relationship with my mom.
Even though my mom has been my best friend, there were still rules and I have always respected her. There's never been a time when I thought I knew better than my mom about something. She still knows better than I do about things! She has definitely helped me with becoming a mom myself.
Memsie loves you to pieces. She's so good with you. And oh, so, patient. Watching her interact with you makes me feel like an inadequate mom compared to her. When she's hurting and sick, she stills gets down on the floor or marches around the kitchen with you. When her back is killing her, she stills holds you and loves on you. That's some unconditional love!
She inspires me to be a great mom. If I am half as wonderful as she is, then I'll be happy. And all the credit to me being a good mom goes directly to her. She is simply amazing as a mom and as a Memsie.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Watch The Lamb...
Adia,
Today you and I are having a music day. Some days we just listen to music and color or dance until nap time. Today I was on YouTube and looked up a song I've known since I was a young girl. It is an incredible song and so moving. As we listened to it today it brought tears to my eyes. The song is called, "Watch the Lamb" by Ray Boltz. When I was a young girl I performed in a skit that acted out the words of this song. Your Papa played the Daddy. I was one of the 'sons'. Some people of my church acted out the angry mob, shouting "Crucify Him, Kill Him" when the man playing Jesus came walking down the church aisle. I remember feeling scared but then I reminded myself that this was just pretend. I remember the Roman Guard actor forcing my Dad to pick up the cross that Jesus couldn't carry anymore. I remember him being shoved around by the Guard and I felt so helpless. But again, I reminded myself my Dad wasn't really being hurt, this was just a skit. At the end of the song the words say, "I felt two little hands holding tight to mine.." At that point, me and the other actor walked up and grabbed my Dad's hands. When he looked down at us, he had been so moved by the song and the skit, he was really crying. I felt sad, I didn't like seeing my Dad cry. I started crying too. In the skit, the children were supposed to be upset because it was their responsibility not to let their little lamb run away. We asked for forgiveness because the lamb had run away. My Dad fell to his knees, hugged us, and then pointed up to the cross and the man playing Jesus while these words were sung, "I took them in my arms and we turned and faced the cross. Then I said, 'Dear Children, Watch the lamb.....'"
Jesus is our lamb. Every time we sin, Jesus has already paid the price so we can be forgiven. I don't want you to ever lose sight of the real lamb. We all sin, but I hope you always remember how much God loves us. He sent his son to die for us and we should strive to live the way Christ lived. So willing to die for us, so willing to forgive the hands that killed him.
I love you Adia.
Today you and I are having a music day. Some days we just listen to music and color or dance until nap time. Today I was on YouTube and looked up a song I've known since I was a young girl. It is an incredible song and so moving. As we listened to it today it brought tears to my eyes. The song is called, "Watch the Lamb" by Ray Boltz. When I was a young girl I performed in a skit that acted out the words of this song. Your Papa played the Daddy. I was one of the 'sons'. Some people of my church acted out the angry mob, shouting "Crucify Him, Kill Him" when the man playing Jesus came walking down the church aisle. I remember feeling scared but then I reminded myself that this was just pretend. I remember the Roman Guard actor forcing my Dad to pick up the cross that Jesus couldn't carry anymore. I remember him being shoved around by the Guard and I felt so helpless. But again, I reminded myself my Dad wasn't really being hurt, this was just a skit. At the end of the song the words say, "I felt two little hands holding tight to mine.." At that point, me and the other actor walked up and grabbed my Dad's hands. When he looked down at us, he had been so moved by the song and the skit, he was really crying. I felt sad, I didn't like seeing my Dad cry. I started crying too. In the skit, the children were supposed to be upset because it was their responsibility not to let their little lamb run away. We asked for forgiveness because the lamb had run away. My Dad fell to his knees, hugged us, and then pointed up to the cross and the man playing Jesus while these words were sung, "I took them in my arms and we turned and faced the cross. Then I said, 'Dear Children, Watch the lamb.....'"
Jesus is our lamb. Every time we sin, Jesus has already paid the price so we can be forgiven. I don't want you to ever lose sight of the real lamb. We all sin, but I hope you always remember how much God loves us. He sent his son to die for us and we should strive to live the way Christ lived. So willing to die for us, so willing to forgive the hands that killed him.
I love you Adia.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Your Papa...
Adia,
I am so happy that you have an amazing relationship with my Dad. He loves you to pieces and you are already getting away with so much more than I ever did. I'm sure there will be many different stories and things you will hear about Papa but I just wanted to put down in words how he has made me the person I am.
The very first thing I remember bonding over with my dad was music. On trips upstate to visit family or to go on vacation, I would have to have my cassette tape player and some of his tapes. He was born in 1951, so he was a really big fan of the music of the late 50's, 60's and 70's. I developed an almost obsession with that era of music at a very young age. My first favorite songs on his tapes were: "The Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri-Las, "Little Red Riding Hood" - by Sam the Sham, "Turn, Turn, Turn" by The Byrds, and "With a Little Help from My Friends" by Joe Cocker. He had the music of Woodstock on cassette tapes and I would fast-fast forward and rewind that tape so many times to listen to that Joe Cocker song. I'm surprised any of his cassette tapes survived my childhood. And I'm realizing right now, you won't even know what a cassette tape is when you get older. Oh wow, way to age myself.
Papa started my love for history and politics. Since I was already in love with music from a very intense political era, I became interested in John F. Kennedy and the Vietnam War . Later I developed a strong interest in World War II and the Holocaust. Papa and I love historical war movies. In fact, I remember going to see 'We Were Soldiers' in the movie theater with him. Just me and Papa. I can't remember when I became so into politics, but I have been as long as I can remember. At the dinner table during my college years, our conversations would mainly be about politics or current events happening in the world. I couldn't wait to have discussions with Papa about different things my professors would say or just get his opinion on news topics. The dinner talks were definitely the highlight of my day.
He taught me how to be modest when it came to dressing myself. When all the other girls at church or school would wear short skirts/shorts, tight jeans, and low cut shirts, my Dad would not let me leave the house in anything he thought was immodest. Which I am really thankful for now. You don't have to show anything but your personality to be attractive.
He taught me to be respectful. I remember one time my mom was sewing an Easter dress for me. I think I was in 3rd grade. My dad over heard me saying something to my mom that sounded rude. It was along the lines of, "No, I don't want to try it on again." She made me go show my Dad to see what he thought of the dress, he said, "You do not talk to your Mom that way." Talk about putting the fear of God into someone... Sometimes, most times, all Papa would have to do was give me a look and I knew to straighten up. Again, I'm thankful he was a true disciplinarian. When you respect others, you respect yourself.
Papa taught me that no one is perfect; we all make mistakes. But he also taught me you can be perfect in your imperfections. He doesn't hold grudges and you will never hear him judging anyone, unless it's a politician. He absolutely hates gossip and you will never hear him get involved in it. He taught me that I am no better than anyone else. He is non-confrontational usually. In his line of work I think some people think they can back him into a corner and he can't/won't do anything. He taught me sometimes it's better to just hold your tongue. It takes a strong person to let things go, and Papa is just that.
I hope to pass on to you all the values and interests Papa and I share. You are Papa's little angel.
I am so happy that you have an amazing relationship with my Dad. He loves you to pieces and you are already getting away with so much more than I ever did. I'm sure there will be many different stories and things you will hear about Papa but I just wanted to put down in words how he has made me the person I am.
The very first thing I remember bonding over with my dad was music. On trips upstate to visit family or to go on vacation, I would have to have my cassette tape player and some of his tapes. He was born in 1951, so he was a really big fan of the music of the late 50's, 60's and 70's. I developed an almost obsession with that era of music at a very young age. My first favorite songs on his tapes were: "The Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri-Las, "Little Red Riding Hood" - by Sam the Sham, "Turn, Turn, Turn" by The Byrds, and "With a Little Help from My Friends" by Joe Cocker. He had the music of Woodstock on cassette tapes and I would fast-fast forward and rewind that tape so many times to listen to that Joe Cocker song. I'm surprised any of his cassette tapes survived my childhood. And I'm realizing right now, you won't even know what a cassette tape is when you get older. Oh wow, way to age myself.
Papa started my love for history and politics. Since I was already in love with music from a very intense political era, I became interested in John F. Kennedy and the Vietnam War . Later I developed a strong interest in World War II and the Holocaust. Papa and I love historical war movies. In fact, I remember going to see 'We Were Soldiers' in the movie theater with him. Just me and Papa. I can't remember when I became so into politics, but I have been as long as I can remember. At the dinner table during my college years, our conversations would mainly be about politics or current events happening in the world. I couldn't wait to have discussions with Papa about different things my professors would say or just get his opinion on news topics. The dinner talks were definitely the highlight of my day.
He taught me how to be modest when it came to dressing myself. When all the other girls at church or school would wear short skirts/shorts, tight jeans, and low cut shirts, my Dad would not let me leave the house in anything he thought was immodest. Which I am really thankful for now. You don't have to show anything but your personality to be attractive.
He taught me to be respectful. I remember one time my mom was sewing an Easter dress for me. I think I was in 3rd grade. My dad over heard me saying something to my mom that sounded rude. It was along the lines of, "No, I don't want to try it on again." She made me go show my Dad to see what he thought of the dress, he said, "You do not talk to your Mom that way." Talk about putting the fear of God into someone... Sometimes, most times, all Papa would have to do was give me a look and I knew to straighten up. Again, I'm thankful he was a true disciplinarian. When you respect others, you respect yourself.
Papa taught me that no one is perfect; we all make mistakes. But he also taught me you can be perfect in your imperfections. He doesn't hold grudges and you will never hear him judging anyone, unless it's a politician. He absolutely hates gossip and you will never hear him get involved in it. He taught me that I am no better than anyone else. He is non-confrontational usually. In his line of work I think some people think they can back him into a corner and he can't/won't do anything. He taught me sometimes it's better to just hold your tongue. It takes a strong person to let things go, and Papa is just that.
I hope to pass on to you all the values and interests Papa and I share. You are Papa's little angel.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
American Pride
Adia,
You and I went out to get some groceries today. When we were driving through the neighborhood I noticed only one American Flag. We are the youngest family living in this neighborhood, and the only family who flies an American Flag. At first, the thought just made me kinda sad, then it made me angry. We have become so comfortable, as a nation, we take our freedom for granted. And we don't unite as one people. Right now, there is a lot of bickering over the current Obama Administration and the Republicans are fighting each other for the nomination to run against Obama later this year. I am very interested in politics and very passionate about what I believe. Your daddy and I have our own political debates, and I'm sure once you can form sentences you will join in. And I encourage and will hope that you educate yourself on politics. But I don't want you to be political and not patriotic.
Sometimes we are so busy with the messy details of each party that we forget we are ALL Americans. No matter if people are Democrats or Republicans... We are all Americans. We should all be so patriotic and grateful for our freedom that we all fly American flags. We should all respect the soldiers who have fought for our freedoms. We should all stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and when the National Anthem is played.
Tonight I was watching news coverage of rebel fighters in Syria who are trying to overtake the current government. The government has now killed 6,000 people and Syrians are pleading to the US for help; to save their lives. And there I sat, sitting on my couch eating tacos. I thought how awesomely free I am. I'm sitting here with basically no immediate worries on my mind, while there are people in other countries getting killed because they voice disapproval of their government. It's times like these I swell up with pride in and thankfulness for my forefathers who sacrificed so much for me to be free.
We decorate every Fourth of July. We stand when we ever hear the National Anthem and place our right hand over our hearts. We pay our respects to American soldiers by attending memorials. We shake a soldier's hand every chance we get and say thank you for your service. We vote to make sure Veterans get their well deserved benefits. They took care of us, we need to take care of them. And we fly our free nation's flag proudly!
You and I went out to get some groceries today. When we were driving through the neighborhood I noticed only one American Flag. We are the youngest family living in this neighborhood, and the only family who flies an American Flag. At first, the thought just made me kinda sad, then it made me angry. We have become so comfortable, as a nation, we take our freedom for granted. And we don't unite as one people. Right now, there is a lot of bickering over the current Obama Administration and the Republicans are fighting each other for the nomination to run against Obama later this year. I am very interested in politics and very passionate about what I believe. Your daddy and I have our own political debates, and I'm sure once you can form sentences you will join in. And I encourage and will hope that you educate yourself on politics. But I don't want you to be political and not patriotic.
Sometimes we are so busy with the messy details of each party that we forget we are ALL Americans. No matter if people are Democrats or Republicans... We are all Americans. We should all be so patriotic and grateful for our freedom that we all fly American flags. We should all respect the soldiers who have fought for our freedoms. We should all stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and when the National Anthem is played.
Tonight I was watching news coverage of rebel fighters in Syria who are trying to overtake the current government. The government has now killed 6,000 people and Syrians are pleading to the US for help; to save their lives. And there I sat, sitting on my couch eating tacos. I thought how awesomely free I am. I'm sitting here with basically no immediate worries on my mind, while there are people in other countries getting killed because they voice disapproval of their government. It's times like these I swell up with pride in and thankfulness for my forefathers who sacrificed so much for me to be free.
We decorate every Fourth of July. We stand when we ever hear the National Anthem and place our right hand over our hearts. We pay our respects to American soldiers by attending memorials. We shake a soldier's hand every chance we get and say thank you for your service. We vote to make sure Veterans get their well deserved benefits. They took care of us, we need to take care of them. And we fly our free nation's flag proudly!
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