Patriotism-Love of country.
In 1972, my parents moved to the United States from the Philippines. This was a HUGE decision for them considering they had only been married about 5 years, they had a three year old(me), and they were leaving all of their family and friends, not to mention most of their belongings. Why the risk? For a better life for them and a better future for their kids. With no jobs and a child, they moved into a small apartment in Detroit with the little money they had to start with. They tell me we only started with a mattress and some blankets. Both college educated, my dad found a job as an accountant with a hospital and my mom who had a degree in nutrition got a job as a social worker for the state. We were on our way. Fast forward 40 years to today. Both of my parents are retired, I have graduated college and have a great family and career, and my brother is a professional actor in New York City. Was it a better life for my parents? I’m not sure, you’d have to ask them. Was it a great life for my brother and myself? Absolutely. We were given and still have all the opportunities in America to succeed and I am so thankful to be here.
One of the greatest traits of America is freedom. We are free to express our faith and our own opinions and I pray that never changes. Today I voted for our future president along with other political positions and different proposals that would change things in our community. I will be out of town next week so I was able to do an absentee ballot. As I made my selections I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed that my voice makes a difference, another freedom. I have been back to the Philippines twice, do I love it? Of course, it’s where I came from; but do I love America? Absolutely, land of the free, home of the brave. God Bless America.
Today I wear Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in Inimitable (which means unique). Chanel is famous for red lipsticks. If you can’t find a red for you at their counter, there may not be a red you’re satisfied with. The Rouge Allure formulation is a full color lipstick that I love and I chose this color because it’s a red that works for me. Today it’s red representing the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
This was so awesome to read!! It is so inspirational…but a big ole smile on my face!! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Thanks Jenn!
*put* a big ole smile… not but, sorry for the typo
It sounds like your parents gave you a special gift. You should ask them if their life is better here than it was in the Philippines.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
Thanks Joyce, it definitely was a gift to me and my kids. I’m not sure what my parents would say… Maybe I’ll ask!
This is precisely what I expected to find here. You are such a wonderful example of what America is and I hope remains, the place where hard work and education pay off. Where a family can begin with nothing and work their way through the years to a good retirement and see their children grown and educated in a free country. So proud to know you. ♥
Thank you Jo. Thankful for parents willing to take the risk!
I’m always so impressed by the courage it must take to leave all that is familiar in the quest for a better life. It’s such an act of faith!
Thanks Beth, big time leap of faith to leave everything and everyone behind! Grateful