I’ve heard it said many times… “You don’t appreciate something until you don’t have it anymore.”
like…
…you don’t appreciate good health until you no longer have it.
…you don’t truly appreciate a loved one until they’re gone.
Today is a special day. Independence Day. The fourth of July.
…and that old saying comes to mind.
For those who have been born here and have never lived
under an oppressive government,
it’s easy to take our American freedom for granted.
The freedom to say, do, go, think, plan, study, buy, eat, whatever you want
is something we don’t even think about. It is the way of life here.
It seems hard to believe that there are countries where you cannot speak freely,
you cannot visit anyone you like,
you can’t travel wherever/whenever you like,
you can’t study what interests you,
you can’t plan to have a birthday party or dinner party,
you can’t just buy something you really like,
you can’t own your own business,
You can’t kill one of your own chickens/hogs/cattle,
You can’t own your own land,
All mail is read before you receive it.
“Courts of law” are just a group of local government sympathizers
You live in a constant state of not knowing what can happen
to you or your loved ones from one day
to the next.
It is the way of life there.
No freedom. Only oppression. Persecution.
Now, when someone who has lived for years in a regime like that,
arrives in the USA…
words cannot describe what they feel.
It’s as if someone who was born in a prison, with no hope of ever getting out,
was given their freedom.
They can now dream, hope, plan, work, live
in a very different world.
For those who have not had this experience
it is almost impossible to know what it feels like.
Don’t even try to tell them that America is messed up.
Don’t talk about how bad things are here and how wonderful
everywhere else is.
They know it isn’t perfect here, but…
they remember what life was like where they came from.
They are like the grateful children who have been adopted,
and they know their adoptive parents
are good people who have taken care of them and raised them
to think for themselves, work hard, dream, fly.
These are the kids that know their parents aren’t perfect,
but they appreciate them and all they have given them.
They are proud to be Americans now.
They love this country.
Some of them have been part of the US military for most of their lives.
They are proud to serve and fight to preserve those freedoms
they once lived without.
They know what we celebrate on the 4th of July every year since 1776.
This is a special day to them.
And every year they remember.
Happy Independence Day, everybody!
Daisy
A Daisy Garden 
This is the most beautiful post I’ve read today . . .. Thank you so much for this perspective. ❤
Thank you so much for such a kind comment. 🙂
Happy Independence Day and love your post, everything you said rings true. We have so much to be thankful for. Your photo’s are gorgeous especially the last one so green and beautiful.
We do have much to be thankful for. I appreciate your taking the time to be an encouragement to me. 🙂
Beautiful, Daisy. Just beautiful!
Thank you for such a kind comment 🙂
A lovely post with beautiful pictures.
Lillian
Thanks, Lillian!
Well put. Thank you for this essay.
I usually try to write less and show more photos… but although I deleted a lot from this post originally, I guess I still ended up with an “essay” as you put it. 🙂
It’s appropriate. Not everything can be said with pictures. 🙂
Well said Daisy! It is all too easy to take things, or people, or country for granted.
Thanks, Laura! Btw, your gooseberry pie looks wonderful! I wonder if I could find those berries here? I’ll definitely be looking for them when I go on vacation later this summer!
I hope you find the gooseberries. Sometimes, one can find them in the frozen foods section at the market, but, obviously, fresh is best. Have a wonderful vacation when you go!
A fine reminder of why the 4th is truly important! I think the meaning gets lost in the partying for many people.
You’re right. I just saw a news clip where different people were asked what we celebrated on the 4th of July — I was amazed that so many didn’t know! I say let’s have the celebration, but also know what we’re celebrating.
Glad I dropped by today and read your heartwarming post. Thank YOu.
Thank you for stopping by! Your alphabet stories are fun to read, btw!
Lovely! The post is beautifully written and illustrated. I hope that you had a wonderful 4th.
Sheryl, it’s always fun for me to read your blog about your Grandma and what the latest entry on her diary was! I’m so glad you take the time to stop by and encourage me. It’s very much appreciated 🙂
Beautifully written. Have a blessed weekend. Kandy
Thanks, Kandy. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Such a worthwhile post Daisy. Our kids lived in China for 10 years and didn’t have some of the freedoms they have here now. — where did you take the fabulous photos? My favorite it the split rail fence one– so green!!
Wow, 10 yrs in China… When I was young, I read Hudson Taylor’s book and afterwards I wanted to be a missionary to China… However, The Lord led me to a different ministry. Thanks for your comment on the photos. I took the 1st one in Blowing Rock, NC. The 2nd one close to Tampa, FL. The last one I took in Dillard, GA a pretty little town in the foothills of the Smokey Mtns.
Hey Daisy– love the Hudson Taylor story. That Smokey Mountain picture is so inviting! I have the Smokey Mountains on my list of places I really want to visit some day. Thanks for the photo…