By Theresa Thomas, GHA Associate Executive Director
Many of you reading this article know that I celebrate the entire month of my birthday. I write special notes to myself, eat what I enjoy most and fill my calendar with special moments that I will spend with family and friends. I choose to celebrate because I understand the importance of being alive and having the opportunity to improve during my next trip around the sun.
As our country plans to celebrate its 250th birthday, I was struck by my lack of excitement. To put America’s birthday into perspective, I decided to look at America’s celebration through the lens of how I prepare for my birthday. Each year before my birthday celebrations begin, I pause to examine my past years, my present state and my hope for the future. I think celebrating America should be no different.
America’s past is a filled with historic moments coupled with years of pain and anguish. America continues to struggle with interpreting the Founding Fathers’ vision of a great country. The signing of The Declaration of Independence was a step in creating this wonderful nation. The joint effort of fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence must have been tedious and contentious. In that room, during those moments of discussion (I would suggest debate), friendships were challenged, preferences ignored and a true representation of all people was not present. As we can see looking back, statements that seemed right at the time would be debated over the ages and set the stage for a more divided union, rather than the expected “more perfect union.”
The present state of America can be described as riding a teeter-totter. Up and down, loving it, hating it, and back to loving it again. Those who love this country are wheeling from its ups and downs but also know there is no other place we would prefer to call home.
Those feelings of up and down are influenced by the changing landscape of what was intended to provide freedom for all that now resembles freedom for some, limited freedom for others and once again groups of people who are suddenly not welcome to call America their home. Religious freedom is questionable, economic insecurity and food insecurity are constant reminders that in America, the “land of plenty,” there is not enough for all.
America, our people are present but not seen, shouting but not heard, crying but there are no tissues. We are dizzy from the back and forth. Democrats, Republicans and Independents question who loves America most; we all love our country. We love the rolling hills, the quiet countryside, the four seasons, the sports, the uniqueness of every state, the people who smile and those who are cranky, the congestion of traffic or the towns that enjoy only two or three stop signs. My point is that the current state of America may cause us to gasp but it does not mean America is doomed or defeated. The song “America the Beautiful” reminds us of how we can appreciate the beauty of this country while navigating the current difficulties. America is still the home of dreams.
My Hope for America in the Future
I still believe in the American Dream. My hope for the future of America is that everyone will find a place of warmth, acceptance, opportunity, peace and belonging. For this to happen, I believe each person must be accountable for their actions toward our singular goal of making America the place we value and take pride in.
I want to share three of my personal commitments in support of the beautiful country I want to see in America’s future:
- I commit to being less judgmental. Never judge a person by their outer appearance. What we assume is often wrong.
- I commit to having patience and grace. I will not react without thinking first. I will remember when I needed grace because of my decisions and actions. It felt great to receive grace, but I have struggled to give it in a timely manner. Grace must go first.
- I commit to being bold. I am determined to speak up against injustice on every level. I will use established platforms like voting and advocacy to call attention to plight of the underserved. I will give of my time, talent and treasure to support causes that address the well-being of every American.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, how will you celebrate this milestone? More importantly, what will you do to help make our nation a place of welcome, acceptance and peace for all who call America home—or aspire to?
I am choosing to celebrate America with excitement, a renewed sense of commitment and pride and the hope that our future will remain bright for generations to come. Happy 250th Birthday America!
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Goodwin Living DEIB Committee: Statement of Purpose: Educate, Embrace and Empower team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living to support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
Goodwin Living DEIB Committee Desired Outcome: The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee (DEIB) will seek open and honest communication and collaboration that will inform and celebrate the age, culture, ethnicity and sexual orientation of team members, residents, members* and all served by Goodwin Living without bias.
*Members include Priority Club members and Goodwin Living At Home.
Questions or comments? Please contact us DEIB@GoodwinLiving.org
