We recently celebrated America's 250th birthday and all had different reasons for celebrating but most all of us did. Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs. and Kathy Streib are cosponsoring this month's challenge about why we are proud to be an American. Well here's my story.
When I was young we lived with my mother's parents in a two flat in a Chicago neighborhood. My grandparents had immigrated to America in the early 1900's. Although it was the early 1950's my grandfather still did not speak much English but understood it quite well. My grandmother was a seamstress and my grandfather an accomplished carpenter, cabinet and furniture maker.
My grandmother still had contact with her brother living in a community country who wanted to immigrate with his family to America. In those days it cost money, commonly known as a bribe, to be successful in a shorter period of time. Since most could not earn the money to pay the bribe, where there was a will there was a way. Bribery was well understood to Chicago residents in those days.
My Dad would give my grandmother 100 dollar bills that she would skillfully sew into clothes sent to her brother. When he had received the necessary accumulation, which took some time they were able to come to America.
Me, then about seven or eight asked my Dad why he did it? He said to make my grandmother happy. I asked if he thought it was worth it? He said she was happy that her brother and his family were free. I have never forgotten the word "free".
The brother came to America opened a business and worked hard. His daughter went to school here and grew up free. Her brother squandered the opportunity and got in to legal trouble. Some get it and some never do.
I think of freedom and opportunity everyday, but especially on the Fourth of July every year since the 1950's because America is, without argument, the land of opportunity. The choice is up to the individual. This is my entry to the July challenge.
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