K, sorry for the long absence. I solemnly swear to do better. Payton came home today from school and said "Mom, have you heard of the song, 'Proud to be an American?'" I said, "Ummm.....let me think...YEAH." Apparently they are practicing the song for a Spring Concert they are performing. So I start singing dramatically, and he joins in with me. But let me tell you when I heard that high little, non-pubescent voice sing
"There ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA"
it brought tears to my eyes. I told him about how I quoted that song in a talk I gave the weekend after 9-11 in Stake Conference (my talk was on the effects of music), and how my favorite line in the song was "The flag still stands for freedom, and they can't take that away." and what it means. He said, "Yeah, I like that line too. They think Betsy Ross made the flag." (Always Mr. Facts just like his Dad.)
Then we talked a little about 9-11 and why these men would want to kill themselves while killing others. Things I truly wish my son did not have to contemplate.
I love this land. I love my freedoms. I love that my son is singing "GOD bless the USA" in a public school performance. This country definitely has flaws but there is no other place I would rather be. Tonight I am giving thanks to my Father in Heaven for this country and all that it represents. I'm definitely proud to be an American.
