Lately, I have been looking up my family history. It is amazing how you feel connected to the family before you as you see their names on a census record. I have not found any amazing connections yet but I am quite proud of my family roots. American farmers......Lived in one part of the country for over 200 years. They took care of the land and helped nourish Americans. They were just regular folks. They were not afraid to work hard.
I think we have to get back to understanding our history.... why we are Americans and stop apologizing. We have a rich history of people who overcame many obstacles. They did this to care for their families and live a good life.
I am proud of my family history and I am proud to be called American.
As we drove through the West this weekend I saw such beauty. I thought of those who came before us and how hard that trip must have been. I thought of the lives lost trying to get to California. I thought of my grandma as she traveled from California to Illinois. Such deep rich history we forget to share with our children.
I also felt a sense of loss. Lately, my prayers have been that as Americans, we remember. We remember what made us the country other people wanted to come to. That settlers were willing to die to become. That we never forget the past. I worry about the future and where we will be. Will my great grandchildren say "this is the generation that lost that freedom"? The generation that got so busy being entertained that we forgot to tell our children about our ancestors and what they did to bring us freedom. Good and bad. If we don't share the bad...we are at risk to repeat it.
I ask myself - have we forgotten the simple folks that came and tilled our land? Have we forgotten the simple people who had a dream? Why are we buying food from other countries? Why are we willing to let fear control our decision-making? Why do we think the government can take care of us? Why aren't we doing that in our family? I want my grandchildren to enjoy freedom over anything. Over videogames, trips, toys, or hand outs.
As far as I can see, my family tree represents the true roots of this country. Nothing flashy but real people who did their part.