A couple of weeks ago, I was having breakfast at a local diner in Tulsa. I was eating by myself, listening to Kim Komando on my IPOD. (Yes, I still have a Nano and enjoy its small size when I walk or drive.) The server brought my check and I got out the money to pay. When he came back to collect it, he told me that someone had bought my breakfast. Now, I knew this wasn't the same as "that guy bought you a drink". I'm far too "mature" for that and besides, I was having ice tea. It turned out that a young couple across the dining room had picked up my check. I thanked them. It made my day! As I drove home, I reflected on how their simple act of unexpected kindness had brightened my day. It got me thinking. This weekend is the Fourth of July in the US. July 1 is Canada Day for my northern friends. Especially in the US, we have reached the mid point of a year that has already been full of senseless violence, inflation, demonstrations, and general dis-ease among people. Even Canada has felt these currents.
On this weekend, we celebrate the birth of two nations. That The United States has survived wars both internal and external, recessions, civil unrest, pandemics seems miraculous. Many of the challenges we face are not new. We have faced them in some iteration before. Sometimes, the total mess of things, many of which are beyond the control of the average American, leads to despondency. We must not let it!
On that Sunday afternoon when total strangers reached across the dining room to me and shared a bit of sunshine, I was reminded that kindness and goodness still exist. It's up to us to share these with others: not only with those we know, but also with those we don't know. One by one, we can heal the wounds left by circumstances. We are stronger together than divided.
My flags are out this weekend. I ring my swimming pool with them. I hang banners from my front porch. I serve my 4th of July fare on red, white and blue plates. I "Ooh" and "Ahhh" at the fireworks display presented over the river here in Tulsa. And I share food and beverage with my family and friends. I may even attack that new novel I've been trying to get to.
I wish all of you a very wonderful holiday weekend. Despite all the challenges, I believe I live in the greatest nation on earth and I am blessed to call myself an American. (Not that I don't enjoy ALL the countries I have been privileged to visit....every country has some wonderful things.) All I know is that the American dream is still available to those who will search for it. I'm an example of that myself.
Enjoy the holiday. The best is yet to come!
