The Fourth of July

source found on Pinterest

Last Sunday, I was asked to play the organ.

I was completely nervous especially when it came time to play our nation's anthem. The song has four flats with difficult lower foot pedals. I was worried that my fingers wouldn't play the right notes and that my feet would go numb.

Lucky for me, ease set in once I started the introduction and everyone stood up.

The words began to sink in, "Oh say, can you see. . ."

My mind then wandered to my grandfather. As young photo journalist, he had a dream. That dream was to take his family to America and to leave everything behind they had in the Philippines in search for a better life. As a single dad, I can't imagine that this was an easy task.

With four daughters in tow, he managed to get their paperwork in order and moved to California. He saw a dream and grasped it, making it a reality.

My mom and her sisters tell me that they are forever blessed that he brought them to this country. I will always be indebted to him for making that sacrifice. From making his dream come true, he has helped me make my dreams come true because I live in a nation of opportunity.

I think he would be proud to know that I am following in his footsteps as a journalist.

We are so blessed and lucky to have freedom. 

"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!"


Today is more than just a holiday, it means living the dream and having the freedom to live that dream. All the while, trusting in God to make it happen. Things will work out. They always do. 


God bless America.