My mom told me a joke before she died, she said, “Brian, if you think you’re going to be rich count your blessings.” She was so serious about the joke that she bought me a mug with each word and dollar signs on it. I often joke with my family about money when in reality I hate what greed and fame does to people so let me get to the purpose of this piece. America is a 250 year explosion of ideas that in reality has left a lot of people in court. Many U.S. citizens are still fighting over things that will probably never manifest or be resolved for what they’re actually worth. Many U.S. stars are homeless and on drugs hoping for their next royalty check. Many veterans are still fighting injuries from the country’s foundation. Sadly, this is the reality of 250 years and many American citizens either don’t care or don’t know. Presidential families have been torn apart and there are endless streams of body bags and stolen investments in the name of the American dream. I encourage you my fellow citizens, to spend time with loved ones, stress the ideas of simplistic thinking because so many Americans have passed on chasing money and fame only to be lifeless at an endless stream of lawsuits and neglect. Left in a small hotel room on drugs with their television some how stuck on a religious network reminding them that we’re all sinners searching for God’s unconditional love. Rest in peace mom, for the first time I got to celebrate Independence Day alone and it wasn’t so bad. I plan to celebrate my birthday working and thanks for teaching me that the true beauty of freedom is the explosion of ideas that emerge from just spending time with family and friends or just jotting down ideas alone in a quiet place. You were right, blessings are priceless, and fireworks are just artificial shooting stars on sale at a convenience store. Hug everyone, even your enemies because in the end you’ll find yourself alone in a room with no one to fight with and the world will go on without you only to forget that you’re human just like them. Your story will linger on for days only to be retold years later in a group setting of ordinary people searching for a hopeful place to call home.
Happy Birthday America, and Happy Birthday Brian.
Somehow a turtle island nation became the home for people from all over the world.
