/afk – The Blog

It’s hard to believe that only two hours ago I was in the mountains of Pinetop; enjoying the forest, cool weather and lots of fishing. Now, I seek refuge from the blazing inferno that is Phoenix, Arizona. It’s 107 degrees and I narrowly escape dehydration as we unload our vehicle and all of its contents.

Holed up in my brother’s house, I lounge here with my laptop pondering the birth of my country. It’s a serene moment as Ross and I are watching public television and their endless barrage of documentaries surrounding this holiday weekend. My other brother, Brian, comes in and out of the room asking for updates as he works to mop the floor. We are a captive audience enjoying sanctuary from the Arizona summer. There is nothing on my mind save that of the past week and the great time I had with my family on vacation. My mind is clear.

In the past, I have written a lot about our nation and my fascination with its conception, birth and legacy. In reality, I tend to ‘geek-out’ around the 4th of July. Hearing the stories about the birth of our nation stirs in me such excitement. It’s an epic tale that seems so mystical and untouchable.

Our American ideals have always been lofty. We have fallen short and exceeded our best intentions at various times throughout our nationhood. Right now, it seems like tough times for many of my fellow Americans. But, things are looking up.

Uncle Ben always said, “with great power, comes great responsibility.” I’m not quite ready to declare my intentions relative to this as an American, but I do embrace this responsibility. All I know is that there’s a reason for everything and I can see a path unfolding before my eyes.

It is my hope that this holiday finds each of us in reflection about the value of our freedom; recognizing our individual involvement in the projection of the legacy that began in 1776.

My brother Brian says to me, “I wish I had something to fight for.”

That’s a start.