Independence Day this year feels a bit different to me. I’m experiencing all sorts of emotions these days whenever I think about my country: sometimes confusion, sometimes frustration or fear or disbelief or anger or discouragement. I know others feel differently, but to me that’s one of the things that makes America what it is, that we can feel these things, express them without fear, and still love our country deeply. Although at times nothing feels normal or right, I believe there still remains in this country at the core a true national spirit of courage, integrity, sacrifice, liberty and independence. Although it seems at time we’ve lost our way, maybe we’re just awakening to or coming to terms with a new way, and change is never easy.
Brett and I will be enjoying some red, white and blue Oregon berry parfaits after dinner, and walking over to the OHSU campus a little later in the evening to see if we can catch some of the fireworks displays happening around the city. It’s actually supposed to be clear enough this year to see them (because typically in Portland the clouds go away right around July 5).
Wishing everyone a very happy 4th of July!
The Occasional Nomads 
Happy 4th of July to you! Those parfaits look a lot like what we’re eating tonight. I find myself being frustrated and often angry at what’s happening in our country, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I would, however, love to visit other places for long periods of time. 🙂
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Sister reads my mind! That’s exactly how I’m feeling these days.
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Happy 4th.
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I likewise struggled last night when the patriotic music began in combination with the fireworks show. When the lyrical refrains of America’s greatness began, I immediately turned to our seatmates and said ‘Come on America, get your sh*t together.’
It’s the children. I cannot get past the children.
Thank you for this post, Laura.
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It’s the children for me as well.
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