ActiveRain July 2026 Challenge…Proud to Be an American
For as far back as I can remember, people often asked me, “What are you?” I’d like to think they weren’t being rude but rather curious. Without hesitation, my answer was always “American!”
It was usually followed by “I know, but what are you?” I understood what they were asking, but depending upon my mood, I sometimes looked at them as if they were crazy or couldn’t hear, and repeated “American!!” I wasn't avoiding the answer, but in my mind, I was and always will be An American!
A family picnic at our beach property late 1950s
My mother’s parents came to this country when they were young and quickly assimilated into their new home. My mother and her siblings were born in Arkansas, and my father was born in Arizona.
The only time I heard either grandparent speak Chinese was when their friends visited. Even then, every fourth or fifth word was English.
Having grown up in Arizona, my father was fluent in Chinese and Spanish. When the Cubans came to Houston to escape the Cuban Revolution in the late 1950-60s, my father helped many of the Cuban customers we had in our store by translating for them.
My father and uncle served during World War II in the Army Air Corps and the Army, respectively. My cousins and I became part of the Boomer generation.
I’m the one shoving an egg in my mouth
I LOVE MY COUNTRY
My family was and is part of the great melting pot that is the United States of America. My childhood was about as Ozzie &Harriet as you could get.
My school day began with the Pledge of Allegiance. We respected our teachers and adults…it was always “Yes or no Sir,” and following Captain Kangaroo’s lead, we always said “Please” or “Thank you.” I started as a Brownie and then became a Girl Scout and sold Girl Scout cookies when they were only Fifty Cents a box.
Contrary to what some might think, I did not experience any prejudice growing up…even though it was in the South. Perhaps being in Texas may have had something to do with it.
My first horse!
When I was a little girl, I remember thinking on several occasions how lucky I was to have been born in America.
I am proud to be an American because of the people who are the lifeblood of this country. We come together when others are in need; we stand up for others, even if we may not agree with them; we welcome those who sincerely want to build a life here and become a part of our community.
This is my entry for 🎉ActiveRain July 2026 Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday! 🎂 that Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs. and I are hosting. We hope you’ll share your story with us.
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