Just an American

My life is enhanced because I, by chance, was born an American.

I have an education provided by the State of California, and enriched by the federal government; using scholarships and grants to be a teacher. 

I, by the grace of God, own a home, three vehicles (two running), various investments, and two retirements which puts me in the lower middle class, I think. I will vote on many propositions, and in the general election; and I am free to express an opinion.
I have access to more information than I ever imagined, and can communicate with the entire world through the internet.
I choose my beliefs and express them openly in public worship.
I have a passport and can freely travel internationally because I am an American citizen. I can travel within my country between the states, whenever I wish.
I reasonably expect no harassment for my gender, race (ethnicity), age, or religion (beliefs.)
I can marry whom I wish, and have as many or few children as I want, although the number of pets in my family is limited by the town in which I live.
I can own and register a firearm, if I wish.
I can expect privacy of my personal information and in my home. And my vehicles, too.
I can leave whatever I wish to whomever I wish in a Last Will and Testament.

I have been free to research my ancestors and discovered I am a Girl of the World--but my pedigree would never indicate I deserve these rights and freedoms, except maybe a few British nobility escaping Cromwell. My people were not the fortunate sons and daughters. They were slaves, indentured servants, ne'er-do-wells, adventurers, seekers of religious freedom, Native Americans, and the last of the immigrants to America was a very good little teenaged Irish girl who was trained by Victorian Catholic nuns to be an excellent dressmaker.

It is true, I have chosen to obey the laws of the land, and, to the best of my ability, fulfill my educational, professional, and civic expectations. However, I am still very grateful for these opportunities.

I feel safe. I feel hope. I feel pride.