Oh America. Land that I love. I’m about as patriotic as you can be. I’ve spent much of my life learning about the history of America and thinking about ways we can improve. I’ve worked in elections and loved on the people harmed by political decisions. I walked with, lived with, worked with, and loved people that look different than me.
So thank you America. Thank you for giving me freedoms that many don’t have. I’ve always loved you. But I am not and will not be blind to your faults. You have them, just like every country does. Some you try to hide and ignore, others you are working to amend. So thank you. Thank you for not stagnating. Thank you for being the place that I look forward to returning to in 2 shorts months.
So remember all that when I say I’ve found someone new. I didn’t mean for it to happen, it just did. My heart was stolen before I even realized it.
Romania stole my heart.
The good news is that my heart is big enough for both of you. I love the rolling hills, the fields of bluebonnets, the rushing rivers, and the beautiful people of America. But I also love the mountains, the acres of sunflowers, the flowing creeks, and the beautiful people of Romania.
It’s your birthday, America, and I don’t want to steal that show. But always remember you didn’t do anything to drive me away. You helped me see that all people are worthy of safety and deserving of a home.
Even though your girl has given her heart elsewhere you will always have a place in my life.
That’s a promise.
Happy birthday, America. Fly all the red white and blue you want to today. You’ve earned it.
“Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
