Today I had a special memory that makes me appreciate that flag once again. Last year, this very day, I returned home from my trip to Ecuador. I walked off the plane, into the airport toward customs, and saw the biggest flag hanging on the wall. If you've ever flown internationally into O'Hare, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's huge and it's beautiful. When I saw that flag, I teared up a bit thinking of that song "God Bless America, land that I love." I love our country and the freedoms we have! The privileges we have! The opportunities that can be ours!
I thoroughly enjoyed Ecuador, and I loved the chances to see and stay with the friends we visited. It was an experience of a lifetime, although I'd love to go back! I felt so much love there and saw many things that made me feel welcome, but it wasn't home!! There's just something about entering your "own" country that makes you sigh a relief that you're home. That feeling might not have been quite as strong if I'd had my family with me, but I was definitely glad to be back on American soil!
Another quick memory... When Sam was little, he loved pointing out all the "flahs" when we were driving in the car. The flags were probably one of the few things he could see out the window, but it was fun to notice them with him. 💓
So today thinking about our flag- I don't ever want to take for granted what it means to us as American citizens. Freedom isn't free. So grateful for those who have served, sacrificed, and made our country what it is today. No, we are not without issues and conflicts. But we're still the United States of America. Hopefully the flag can keep us united and we can figure out that we all love what our nation means to us!
"You're the emblem of the land that I love, the home of the free and the brave."
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