Amid controversy in our nation, I’m incredibly grateful for my freedom. Freedom involves choices.
I’m not a victim. I can take a stand.
I can defend the Constitution.
I can celebrate with traditions or make new ones.
I can exercise common sense.
I can celebrate the gift of liberty that our forefathers gave to us.
I am free to thank Almighty God for my American heritage.
My adult children asked me, “What are we doing for Thanksgiving?” In any other year, they tell me what they are doing for the holidays. Not so, this year.
I had two choices:
- I could tell my younger daughter, who is single and lives alone, not to come home for Thanksgiving due to virus news. She lives in PA. I could tell my older daughter, who is divorced and a single parent, to stay home for Thanksgiving in Iowa as well.
- I could leave the decision up to them to do what they are most comfortable with at this time. After all, my girls are adults. Americans can make up their minds to do what is best for them in times like these. They are capable of listening to and deciding for themselves which information to digest and apply.
We are fortunate. Not one of us has had the virus so far. One daughter is an ICU nurse. She encounters critically ill patients all the time. The other is an adjunct professor who works with college students online and in person.
Why would I put myself and my husband in danger, you may ask? Because we are not afraid. I trust that disinfectant works. Hand-washing frequently is a habit by now. No one arriving has a fever. Getting outside is a part of our plan. Both daughters have been tested in the last few days.
You may wonder, “But what about the Governor?” Nowhere does the Constitution (state or federal) say that Governors make law. They can’t. That job belongs to the legislature. You might obey a Governor’s proclamation. It may be the right thing to do, but it is not law.
So, we are gathering. We paid a local restaurant (helping to fuel the economy) to make the meal so we could enjoy our children and grandchildren. We will pray and give thanks as we pass down this national tradition of gratitude to the younger ones. We will miss those family members who chose not to come and those who are no longer with us.
We’re going to celebrate as a family!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I’m grateful for all of you as we encourage each other to live our American heritage.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship ??
