The American

Over the past months, I've been studying and praising the British - immersing myself in English and Irish literature, listening to English singers and bands, watching films set in London, reading up on Churchill and other British figures. Anyone within earshot has heard me describe my excitement to spend a year among the civilized and stylish Brits. I've complained about the American way of life, looking instead to the pace and energy and standards of Europeans.


This weekend, however, I remembered what I love about America. As words and images have appeared honoring those who perished in the attacks on September 11th, it has once again become plain to me that this nation is something special. Despite our political and social troubles, at its very core this country is a land where people exercise such a blessed freedom and are forever willing to dedicate their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to upholding that freedom. I am truly fortunate to have grown up in a place where my beliefs, my intellect, my heart can grow and I can become the woman God wants me to be.


I pray for all those who have lost a beloved family member or friend in the events of ten years ago. I hope that, while there is still a piece missing from their existence, their lives have been filled with blessings since their loss. I also pray that this country and its people will have their paths made straight before them and will never lose sight of what is right, and just, and good.


I am glad to have spent this last weekend in the United States, the land of the free. I will not forget it, no matter where in this world I may be.