Independence...

What does it mean to you?

Independence to me means everything. I've always been taught to be myself, under any circumstance. And I learned that trait, to a fault. I'm independent through and through, and I have my family to thank. Independence gives me the right to say these things, it gives me the right to be a creative person, and the right to earn a living that way. It means this weekend I get to spend time with loved ones, cook out on a grill, and relish the summer weather, it means this morning I woke up late, went to Panera for a client meeting and ordered a coffee, it means that today I get to do....whatever I want.

But today is also about those who made that possible. Its not just about our freedom, its about the sacrifice.

I feel extra emotional about this years 4th of July holiday because my baby brother won't be home to spend the day with us, doing all of the activities I just mentioned. Instead, hes off somewhere in his 50+lbs of gear, grunting, sweating and dodging life-threatening danger with his comrades, working hard towards keeping our American rights, our independence.

I always feel taken back to my roots during this holiday weekend, because to me its about being barefoot in a bathing suit, eating burgers from the grill and telling old stories with family. Its about country music and down home, American living. And I thank God    that I grew up that way! I had a grandpa who flew his American flag everyday, brought it in at night, and let me fold it up and put it in the closet. I had a Dad who, with every fiber of his being, owns the American workingman's ethic, and a mom who could sit right next to Rosie Riveter in the 'We Can Do It" ad. I'm proud to be an American, even though there are times that I fail to understand the actions and decisions of this country, I am proud of my heritage and my roots. 

And that's what Independence day means to me!!