“The essence of America—that which really unites us—is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea—and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from, but where you are going.”
—Condoleezza Rice
I am grateful that the founding fathers created a system of government that among many liberties mostly allows it's citizens to create their own destinies, choose where and how to live, what fields of endeavor to pursue, the right to protest and the freedom to travel.
Speaking of travel, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control we canceled our Alaska Cruise this week. Instead, Cecile and I celebrated at Bay Club Courtside resort facility in the sunny and mild temperatures of Silicon Valley in Northern California. Our son Jason and Alix were our guests and we were surrounded by a community of friends and acquaintances. There was a Pool Deck Concierge Service we rarely take advantage of on holidays and weekends and a Poolside DJ. We had frozen lime Margaritas, burgers, salad with filet of Salmon and watermelon. A few of the lap pool lanes were opened up for members and guests to luxuriate themselves atop larger than life-sized inflatables such as the Pink Flamingoes seen in the photos. Families with children were even bustin' a groove on the other side of the club that also has a pool and playing organized games. The photo of me with the person with the black cap is my energetic Iranian American friend AJ Dadnia (aka The Zumba King)😎
Cecile and I were also seated in our chaise lounge chairs next to Carlos and his wife Claudia that I know from yoga and Qi Gong class.
In honor of the 4th of July, here is a poetic offering by Joanna Fuchs, that spoke to me as it relates to the spirit and meaning of the freedoms we were given and that literally and figuratively breathes life into our American flag:
Old Glory (in free verse)
I am the most famous icon on earth,
on display all over the world…
standing guard at majestic official buildings,
in courtrooms, churches, and even on the moon.
I fly from the houses of families who revere America,
and snap in the breeze on parade.
…Sometime soiled and tattered, even bloodstained,
I survive the grinding toil of wars,
urging my weary warriors to fight on...
I lie precisely folded, held by mothers of fallen soldiers
as their fingertips caress me for comfort and strength.
I am invincible.
I have been burned, spat upon, trampled and cursed,
but I overcome all to unfurl, soar and inspire again.
I am the Star-Spangled Banner; I am Old Glory;
I am the American Flag, a symbol of freedom, forever.
Poem adapted from Joanna Fuchs
www.poemsource.com
Peace and thanks to the wonderful workers and staff at Bay Club Courtside!
