America

"I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell

You the difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God" 

---Alan Jackson---

13 years. It's a lifetime. I struggle to remember yesterday sometimes, but I know exactly where I was. I even remember the shoes I was wearing that day. Fear, sadness, anger, and an overwhelming desire to do something hit me in an instant. 

I can't say I'm much different than I was then. I'm older and a mom now. I work, pay bills, and take my freedom for granted. There are a few things in the political world that I'm educated on. I have very strong opinions about them and I will express those opinions at any given point. Mostly my day is filled with kids, diapers, and grape jelly. 

I love being American. I'm a patriotic kind of girl. I've always been a sucker for a man in uniform. I think self sacrifice for others in noble and honorable. I get teary eyed at the national anthem and TAPS. I think our country is great. But as Merle would say, we're a snowball headed straight for hell. 

I'm baffled by the injustice and absurdity in this world. Our own citizens struggle with no healthcare, but you come from another country you can get it all. Especially if you're expecting a baby. No matter your wealth in your home country, good ole America will foot the bill. Yet we have hard working Americans who can't afford to have their teeth cleaned. And let's not forget, if you come here it's our job to speak your language, allow you to express your religious freedom, and cut you a break for your cultural differences that we don't practice.

Our veterans are homeless, suffering from PTSD, and many other ugly things. But we give more help to aliens than our own who sacrificed to give us our freedom. I find that disgusting. 

America has become a place of constant anger and conflict. Everyone wants their way at the cost of someone else's. Gay, straight, Christian, atheist, black, and white. We are fighting for equality in a world of selfish buffoons. Equality requires compromise, giving, and acceptance. 

September 11, 2001 changed us all. It put fear in us we never experienced before. It united us as one. It made us a strong force to be reckoned with. And it made us avengers. I reflect on that time often. Where I was, what I felt. I still cry. It still takes my breath away. And I'm still pissed at the terrorists who managed to catch us unaware. 

America is beautiful. It's crazy. And it's the only country I'll ever call home. I'll rant and rave about my tax dollars being spent to pass a law for permission slips to use tanning beds if you're a minor, but absolutely no legislation to charge mothers who abuse drugs during pregnancy. But I'll also be a die hard red blooded, flag waving, patriotic fool until I die. I'm thankful for my home. As jacked up as she is.

God Bless America. We will never forget.