America...

Never take where we come from for granted. I will probably spend a lifetime teaching my children this.  While Peter looks out at the Statue of Liberty on a rainy afternoon, I took the liberty to snap this shot of him. I also see that I shouldn’t have chopped off the top of the street lamp and you probably wouldn’t have noticed if I didn’t say anything. But after all, isn't a blog a place to state your self grievances.  Being an American,  I am lucky to live in a place where we can freely do things. Like everyone, I wail about our taxes and the knuckleheads running some branches of our government. But when you look at the revolutions that are being fought over the ousting of dictators and bad guys in general, I will gladly take our circus over theirs.  In my entire childhood, I never visited the Statue of Liberty.  I am not sure why. Maybe being one of 5 kids, 4 being boys, the thought of going there would have worried my parents that one would decide to do the Triple Lindy over the ferry gunnel . Since my kids have come around, we have visited Ellis Island and Lady liberty 3 times up close and personal.  I feel inspired every time I board the Liberty Ferry as you can not help but get the rush of energy thinking of the millions that have passed by her looking to live out their dreams.  Two of my grandparents sailed over here from Wales and Ireland and were met with open arms by Lady Liberty. She didn't seem to be bothered by their thick brogues or foreign customs. Their smiles and their hopes were their golden ticket.  The photo below shows my mother Gail and her her mom, Molly Delaney on the Aquatania  as it had passed through New York harbor  many years ago. I often think of the grandmother I never met and see so many similarities between she and Kate in just a glance of some photos. Once again, photos come to play in my life. In a quick glance, a photo helps establish in your mind, who you are and where you come from.  As the daffodils peek their yellow heads up, perhaps a visit to lady Liberty should be in the works for any American who needs to be reminded of how lucky we are.  I love seeing the faces of people visiting the United States and feeling as they experience a piece of our privilege.  So I hope that when my kids come face to face with this great statue, they see a mirror reflecting their own dreams and aspirations.  Every human should have this hope.  After all, it is what America was founded for.  May we never take America for granted.