Happy 4th of July from Mexico!

I have to say that it is poignant to be spending the July 4th in Mexico, far away from my daughters and my county.  But as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and as I sit here today, I know with all certainty how lucky we are to call the United States of America our country.

It is so easy to take for granted what we have and to complain about politicians and laws we don't like. But today, and every day, we should take a step back and reflect on all that we have - such as freedom from the fear of expressing ourselves.  We can vote without fearing for our lives and we can speak out against our leaders without fearing reprisals.  Of course we are not the only country that is so fortunate, but I do think that we are amongst, if not the most, patriotic people in the world.  In just 236 short years, our country has built a legacy that will endure forever - a legacy of opening our doors to people from all over as well as a legacy of finding ways to work together to create opportunities for anyone who wants to take advantage of what our country offers.  

In the words of John F. Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

May we all find ways to work together to keep our country the great!