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What does the 4th of July remind you of?? Fireworks, picnics???? Or maybe - campfires,hotdogs.....hot sandy beaches.

I stopped this fourth of July to think about all the great things that have happened to our nation during the past 220 + years, and as the saying goes "We've come a long way, Baby!!" It never ceases to amaze me how fast our technology changes. My kids have never seen a black & white TV, and don't remember when a computer used to take up a whole room, or when you had to use an oven all the time - not a microwave. There have been so many changes, just in my lifetime alone, that are remarkable. We, as americans have so much that we simply take for granted. So, please, stop and take a moment to say thanks....to all the wonderful people who have made our world a better place to live, for the advancement in medical technology, that allows us to live longer than ever before...and for the hope that someday all the diseases of the world will be irradicated!!

I also stopped to think about all those men and women who fought for our freedom. And about how much this country and all the things we have here mean to me. During my travels around the globe, and the visits that I have paid to other countries, I have seen first hand the differences in cultures. Even the simplicity of speech - which we all take for granted, amazes me. We are allowed, right or wrong, to voice our opinions on EVERYTHING! A simple choice not given in all countries. I am soooooo grateful that I live here!! We have such remarkable diversity...and so many opportunities. (I only hope our children see it sooner than I did!!) So, when you stop this fourth of July to celebrate the birth of our country, say a small prayer of thanks - for all the wonderful things our forefathers have given us, and all the beauty this land of ours has to offer!