As a young child my life was challenging. Home life was very tumultuous. As the oldest of four children, I felt I had to please my parents, fix everything and protect everyone. I now realize that was an impossible task but never the less, I took it on. I was very dedicated and loyal to what I thought was expected of me.

My reprieve from the chaos was school. In fact it became my safe place. I loved going to school because I loved to learn. Geography, English, and Reading were my favorite subjects. Geography because I loved coloring the maps. English challenged me to dissect sentences and communicate more effectively. Reading…Now, reading allowed me to visit and experience places in my mind. I knew I wouldn’t get to do these things in person.

While I loved all my teachers, one stood out above them all. Mrs. Billings, my 3rd grade teacher. She was kind and loving but firm. She genuinely cared about her students and made home visits to each and every one. The thing I respected most about her was her dedication to her love of God and Country. Each morning after the bell rang we would say “The Pledge of Allegiance”. Then Mrs. Billings would read us a Bible Story, and lead us in prayer. This occurred every single day without fail and I LOVED it!!! She instilled in her students a sense of pride and hope.

During that same time my grandparents on my dad’s side moved to Tennessee. I believe we visited them once during the summer. We played in the stream that ran down the mountain, took long walks, and fished. My time with them was glorious and the last time I saw them.

Now, who would have ever guessed I would be living in Tennessee! I little ironic don’t you think? Remember I mentioned we visited in the summer. Well, you can imagine my delight when we got to experience real snow. Not the slushy snow of Texas but light and fluffy snow.

But, what I didn’t realize was the snow that melts during the day turns to ice at night. This leaves a base of ice covered with snow on the roads. Typically that would not be problematic except we are from Texas. We are not used to driving in snow and ice. Oh and to add to that our driveway up the mountain is pretty steep. So, all that to say we hunker down at home. This leaves us with a lot of time to watch TV. We mostly watch the news or football as my Mom struggles to follow shows or movies.

Now, I’ve never been one to watch the news because they typically cover nothing but gloom and doom. It has been heart wrenching to watch the decline of our nation. That sense of pride and hope instilled in my by Mrs. Billings was quickly fading. In fact, I felt a sense of impending doom. Our nation was in chaos and it was as if nothing or no one would change the trajectory.

For the first time in 56 years I feel a whole new level of pride in our nation. The people have spoken! They came together to make a unified effort to take back our nation. That sense of pride and hope I felt in 3rd grade has returned.

As I watched the inauguration yesterday, I had such an overwhelming sense of excitement. Excitement for the future of our nation. Excitement for the president and First Lady. Excitement for the Senate, Excitement for the Congress. Excitement for the Cabinet Nominees. Excitement for the safety of our nation. Excitement for the growth of businesses. Excitement for the financial accountability and prosperity of the nation and the people of the USA. But, most importantly excitement for my grandchildren and great grand children.

While listening to President Trump’s inauguration, I went from that sense of impending doom to EXCITEMENT!!! And, that excitement was spreading like wildfire. Literally everyone was being contaminated right before our eyes.

Hope and Pride Are Back and…The Excitement Is Contagious!!!

Now, I am not ignorant. Not everyone shares my views, hope, pride, or excitement. They are indifferent and at times even seem irritated. Heck, I’ve had people make fun of my views, chastise me for watching so much TV. That’s ok… “Let Them”!!!

This is my country. The country I was taught to love dearly. I thank God every day for the privilege to live in the United States of America. I thank Him for those who have so bravely fought to give me the privilege to have freedom of speech.

I’m Excited to be Excited Again!!!