Aaron? Aaron? Aa-ron? Aaron! … Aaron? Uhmm, Aaron? Hey…
This line of questioning, starting out soft, getting loud and a bit insistent, then soft again, is sure to elicit an exasperated “WHAT?!?!?” at about the 10th “Aaron?” I love it. Never fails. Ever.
Oldest brother of mine, I love spending time with you. You have dad’s sweet heart. Mom’s thoughtful quietness. Yet you still manage to be among the silliest of the Veach siblings. I applaud your efforts, though you’ll never surpass my silliness. No, you match my silliness. I look forward to our time together because I know a lot of what it will entail. Smiles from the start. At least a few episodes of random laughter between the two of us that others will question the root of at first, then accept that there is no reason behind our madness.
How did all this begin, anyway? Was there a great transfer of brain waves when you dropped me off the porch (more…)
Election Day. It’s a special day. I think this year many people will agree it became extra special for the first time in a long time. I’m not going to get into the politics of it all*, but I will say I got a little choked up during Barack Obama’s acceptance speech. Much like my experience listening to Nick Clooney once, I felt like I could stand there listening for hours and be happy. I got choked up because of how united the moment seemed. Halfway around the world, I felt like I was there experiencing the moment with the rest of America. I also realized how different it is to be living outside the U.S. at times like these. I didn’t feel left out. I felt like I was part of something bigger, stronger, global. America’s presence stretches much farther than I ever realized while I lived in the States. It reminded me of the way my brother Andrew described his new feelings when he heard the Pledge of Allegiance recited at the end of U.S. Navy bootcamp. He said it would never be the same. I feel ya, bro. I felt stronger, I felt prouder. Today I learned more about myself as an American in a room with other Americans: toddlers, 10-year-olds**, teens, college students, suits, and the League of Women Voters***.
I missed being in America today. Seeing the crowds on TV and reading about the gatherings back in Bloomington made me miss it. But I had my own crowd here. It didn’t matter that they weren’t being heard by the throngs in Chicago, the world citizens gathered around me cheered just the same. Until today I’ve not understood why people clap, cheer or jeer at a basketball game on TV. Now I get it. It’s about feeling like you, too, are part of something bigger. Something you’re passionate about and proud to be a part of. That’s America. And, hey, that’s the world.****
* My professional code of ethics requires my neutrality on all things political. This post was meant to be more patriotic than anything. Any political leanings you may interpret are accidental. Thanks for reading.
** The mock election at the event allowed everyone to vote — kids, noncitizens, etc. Would’ve made a great photo. Oh, and aren’t serial commas great?
*** This is a nice way of saying … well… old ladies. Older ladies? I don’t know the P.C. … ah, you get the idea. Young and old. In harmony.
**** I think my blog post went deeper than deep. Eh, take it with a grain of salt. It’s past 3 a.m. If I don’t do this post now, I never will.
As always, click on the photo or the word awesomeness to view more photos from my Election Day.
Not much to say from today. I met for the first time with my Chinese-English language exchange partner, Prudence. We seemed to hit it off well.
Ok, so it was a bit of an emo day. You know what, that happens. Sometimes I feel like I’m an open book. But not a normal book — more like Tom Riddle’s diary. Just not in an evil, murderous, sacrificing Jenny Weasley way. Right.
The Boilers are playing football right now, and I’m missing it. But I didn’t forget to recite the pre-game reading: “I am an American”
I am an American. That’s the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four: you could write them on your thumbnail, or sweep them across this bright autumn sky. But remember too, that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American.