Let Freedom Ring

    I woke up this morning to the sounds of lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and blowers.  Who in their right mind would be up at 7:45 on a holiday morning working on their yard?
Doesn’t everyone sleep in on their day off?

    I pulled back the curtains to see who would be so rude to wake up their neighbors so early on the 4th of July.  What I saw quickly turned my irritated anger into shame.  In the yard across the street…making all that noise, was a group of Hispanic men working feverishly to get my neighbor’s yard in shape.  Although it was a day off for most in the city, these guys had a long day full of chores ahead.

    On this 4th of July that comes on the heels of the nation’s immigration bill failing, I think it’s the perfect time to think about the future of this country and what we stand for.

    I don’t believe in breaking the law, and those that do to come here illegally should be punished.  But what a shame to turn our backs on the thousands who have worked so hard to build a life for their families here.  Who have been here for years and contributed so much to this great country. Don’t they deserve something?

    Some fifty years ago a man named Thomas Patyk sold what little he had, packed up his family and boarded a ship to America.  They came through Ellis Island, brave and scared, ready to build a new life in a new world.  They worked hard, learned the new language and raised their children to be strong and proud.  One by one they became American citizens and embraced the American dream so many of us take for granted.  By most standards, this family was an average family, but to me a special one.  Thomas Patyk was my grandfather.  I have the freedoms and opportunities I have today because of his hard work and determiniation. 

    On this holiday that celebrates independence, I hope you will take time to remember those that have made difficult sacrifices to create this land of “freedom for all.”  Take time to notice those in our community who are different than us and that are working so hard to build a promising future for their children.

    The next time I see those yard workers across the street…I’ll look at them a little differently. They’ve reminded me of my great blessings and fortunes…something I wish for each of them.

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