FREEDOM

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, a holiday to celebrate our freedom . As citizens of the U.S.A., we’re each free to choose but not free to alter the consequences of our decisions. Every day we make multiple decisions–most are inconsequential but others change the direction of our li8ves. Sometimes we don’t recognize the difference at the time.

I’m reminded of Ken’s navy days in the 1950s when he was coming home on a thirty-day leave. He was wearing his uniform and had his plane ticket in hand waiting for his flight to be called at a California airport when another sailor approached him. The young man said his mother was dying and he wanted to trade his ticket for a later flight for Ken’s earlier one to get home to Chicago as soon as possible. Ken switched. When my boyfriend landed at O’Hare, he learned that the previous flight he should have been aboard crashed in the Grand Canyon killing all passengers and crew.

On a typical day, we don’t realize how much we take our freedom for granted. The sanctity of our own home is one of them. No one is allowed on our property unless we invite them. If we read a morning newspaper or watch a morning TV news show, we’re taking advantage of freedom of the press. Enjoying our freedom to assemble, we gather with other on-lookers to watch a parade. A few police officers are on hand to keep order. On the way home, we pass a group of protestors but ignore them.

As citizens, we vote in free elections to decide who will be our leaders from local to national government. These representatives enact our laws. If we disobey a rule such as driving faster than the speed limit, we risk a reprimand called a traffic ticket.

I can determine my hairstyle and the clothing I wear to go anywhere I please. It may not be wise for this old woman to drive some places alone after dark, but it is my decision.

You’re able to read my writing because we each had access to a free public education through high school.

Can you count the freedoms you enjoy daily?