July 4: Happy Independence Day

 Besides the standard reflections of living in the United States of America and feeling that I am a citizen of a great country filled with diversity, the idea of independence has so many different meanings to me this year.

• Freedom and independence are not free.  Many sacrifices have been made to protect our citizens.  My husband and his two brothers have given quite a bit of their adult life defending our freedom by serving in the military.  My sister-in-laws and I have shared in this sacrifice by spending many weeks, months, and years make sure that our husbands know that we are strong and independent enough to let them go protect the freedom and independence of others without needing to be overly concerned about us.
• Independence for the individual means being able to chose your faith, your friends, your job and your lifestyle.  For some that may seem like it is not true, but our discussions this week would lead me to believe that it all about choices - good and bad.
• Independence means that if you feel your life needs some changes, you are able to speak your mind and act on your choices.
• Independence means that in our late 50s, Kevin and I are able to choose to open our own small woodworking business.  Yes, there are laws and regulations we must follow, but we have been able to make the choices that are right for US.
• Dad is not living alone any more, but he is still very independent even if we are all now interdependent on each other for some things that come from being family and sharing a household.

To each of you that are celebrating the 4th of July with us, remember to say thank you to those who sacrificed and are still sacrificing to help maintain our country as a land of opportunity, compassion, and diversity.  When you go to sleep tonight feeling safe  and at peace in your beds, know that we are truly blessed to be living in the United States of America.

Life is GOOD!