I can...

wear what I like
feel how I feel
choose who I love
marry who I choose
have a hundred kids
or maybe three
work where I want
and how I want
own a home, or rent
believe in my religion
and practice it
raise my kids
give them opportunities
have my own
learn and grow
read books
gain knowledge
have an opinion
share it
write on this blog
because I live here
the land of the free

As Americans celebrate our independence this weekend I hope we take a moment to remember the sacrifices that were made so that we could be liberated. I hope we take a moment to remember the sacrifices that are still being made so we can keep our liberty.

I hope we remember that freedom is not a privilege, but a responsibility. I hope we strive to be better people. To be kinder to those around us. To learn not to take offense, but try to understand and to respect. To move forward and not back. To do our duty to make use of the rights those before us gave everything, even their lives, to have. To ask what we can do for our neighbors, our communities, our states, our country, our world. Not what they can do for us. 

Happy Fourth of July!