The American Dream

What is the American Dream to you?

To me, it is about opportunity and the freedom to obtain your goals through those opportunities.

For most of us, it isn't easy.  No one said it would be, but at least we live in a land that you can still work hard and have a chance to steer your own life, whatever your goals may be.

When my wife and I were married back in 1985, we didn't have two nickles to rub together. To pay for our wedding rings, we had to open up our wedding envelopes on our wedding night and use most of the money to pay for our rings.

We did not have much but we knew what we wanted. We wanted a house and a family. We worked hard and grabbed every opportunity as we went along and enjoyed the ride.

Don't get me wrong. We did not always enjoy every challenge and there were plenty of days that we didn't know how we were going to pay the bills or get heating oil...but we did it. We did not look for hand outs or complain.  If times got tough, I picked up a second job. We watched our money and only bought things that we absolutely needed. (I can write a few separate blogs just on our exploits with our automobiles.)

It is NOT easy, but I still believe that if you put in an honest days work and try not to hurt anybody, you will succeed. Of course it may not always be on your timetable...but little is.

If you do not think that we still have something unique here in the United States, then go out there and visit other countries. We still have the foundation and the freedom.

All you can ask for is the opportunity and the freedom to pursue your dream.

That is the American dream to me.