Bravo U.S.

Posted on by Live & Learn

flag-fireworks

Canada is home.
Yet, like the older brother you look up to,
it was always bigger than life.
Its optimism.
Its vastness.
Its spirit.

I’ve been elsewhere.

Argentina. The middle class dream wasn’t a 4-bedroom home in the suburbs. It was sending your children to a college in the U.S.

I travelled to the Soviet Union. (Yes, before the break-up.) And recall my yearning for a return to an ice cold Coca Cola, a Big Mac and fries, American Bandstand and movies.

A visit to the Dominican Republic. The poverty.  Children begging for a day job, a tip, some food, a lifeline. And thinking, yes, while there may be a limited safety net and it can be tough, there is work, there is opportunity, there is hope…in the U.S.

From the west with our Hollywood, the big ag farms, the towering Redwoods and technology,

To the Northwest with its green, peaceful and easy feeling,

To the middle with the city of broad shoulders and the magnificent Great Lakes,

To the east with its institutions of higher learning, the arts, and business…

I’ve long concluded, this country is a special place.  A very special place.  That I cherish.

Yes, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!  And so much more.

Today, this man is grateful for it all.  And offers his thanks.

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44 thoughts on “Bravo U.S.”

  1. What a lovely tribute, pal, and how lucky are we that are neighbor to the North has shared such a treasured son with us? May you enjoy a happy, relaxed holiday in what is, indeed, a VERY special place….

  3. I am always the better when you share a little bit more about yourself, in your own words. The way you describe the country is so spot-on, “the city of broad shoulders”…you write so damn well. Happy Fourth Canadian cousin – this place is all the more special because you’re here. Ok – that’s enough mushy stuff for a month or so, let’s move it along..;-)

  9. Very nice David… written from the eyes of “elsewhere” and with such appreciation. We are all so fortunate to be living in this country. Happy 4th of July from your friend in the west. 🙂

  10. Amen David! Thank you for that re-cap of your journey thus far…someday it would be fun to actually talk face to face with those we touch each day on our blogs. What a great book that would make. Happy 4th.
    P.S. I sent my oldest son to a one year Bible college in Alberta many years ago. He loved Canada. I do get the chance to lecture there every so often. Such a wonderful neighbor we have, the people I have encountered have all been so nice. 🙂

    1. Yes, Tina. It would be great to meet face to face with you and our blogging friends.. Some day. Bucket list addition. Let’s plan on it. Have a great 4th.

  11. Bravo to you too. Yes Canada will always be home but so thankful & blessed to be part of his great nation. Happy Indpendence Day to you & the family!

  12. Indeed heart warming. I share your feelings as a “new” American who came here for the ‘idea’ called America, and not for economic reasons

    1. We’re aligned. And I will say that many of us who choose to live in this country, have an great appreciation of how wonderful this place really is…

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