Great article. I'm a first generation American. My parents immigrated from Germany back in the late 40s; my father was a survivor of Auschwitz. So I feel such gratitude to be an American and living a life of freedom even though some politics have tried to stifle that freedom. While it feels overwhelming when I witness the unfairness and tragedies of issues of our planet, I try to locally help those I am able to in my own ways. I love our country with all her faults and problems as there's so much to feel thankful for as well as a lot of beauty that does exist and some really good people here.
One little tidbit about my father......he was an artist by nature and got some extra paper, paint/pencils and drew pictures for the guards to bring home as gifts for their families and they'd give him extra food for that. Oh, the stories he told me......he was a true survivor. I have his striped jacket he wore.
Lovely. And recently, two people I know have chosen to become American citizens! They give me hope and humble me - for my privilege to complain and work at helping my country “live up to its ideals.”
Well said, Mim. You're right....it is a privilege to be able to complain about the country yet "work at helping our country live up to its ideals." We must never take our freedoms for granted.
Great article. I'm a first generation American. My parents immigrated from Germany back in the late 40s; my father was a survivor of Auschwitz. So I feel such gratitude to be an American and living a life of freedom even though some politics have tried to stifle that freedom. While it feels overwhelming when I witness the unfairness and tragedies of issues of our planet, I try to locally help those I am able to in my own ways. I love our country with all her faults and problems as there's so much to feel thankful for as well as a lot of beauty that does exist and some really good people here.
"I'm a first generation American. My parents immigrated from Germany back in the late 40s; my father was a survivor of Auschwitz. "
Oh wow, I didn't know that. There has to be an amazing story there that I would some time like to hear. Thanks for posting! And for the coffee!
One little tidbit about my father......he was an artist by nature and got some extra paper, paint/pencils and drew pictures for the guards to bring home as gifts for their families and they'd give him extra food for that. Oh, the stories he told me......he was a true survivor. I have his striped jacket he wore.
Wow.
Lovely. And recently, two people I know have chosen to become American citizens! They give me hope and humble me - for my privilege to complain and work at helping my country “live up to its ideals.”
Well said, Mim. You're right....it is a privilege to be able to complain about the country yet "work at helping our country live up to its ideals." We must never take our freedoms for granted.