“Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Song of the Open Road by Walt Whitman
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose. “
On the eve of our departure I thought I would reflect on a question we have been asked a few times… Why do this trip in the US? Why not show our kids the rest of the world? Those are good questions. When we planned this trip we didn’t have a carefully reasoned answer, it just seemed obvious to both Dan and me that the kids should have an understanding of the United States of America before setting out to explore the wider world around them.
I have been fortunate in my life to travel extensively for work, for school and for pleasure. I have visited 22 countries on 5 continents and each of those trips have reinforced two things for me. First, how much we all have in common. Regardless of where we live, we basically want the same things – community, sustenance and security for ourselves and our families. Second, how much I love America. Every time I feel the wheels of my return flight hit the tarmac I am overwhelmed by an immense sense of gratitude for my home. I love that my home is made up of lots of different types of people. I love that we generally abide by the rule of law. I love our landscapes. I love the fact that we are capable of change. I love the fact that we get a chance to give our President (and other elected officials) a performance review via the ballot box.
My home is always messy – now more so than ever. It is always a little too loud. It doesn’t always treat it’s citizens equally. It doesn’t fully respect its natural splendor. It’s leaders and citizens alike are often too short sighted. It isn’t a perfect home. But it is my home, it is my family’s home. Our girls should see its wonders, meets its people, taste its food, learn about its Native people, learn about its history and conflicts, see its art, hear its music.
Our girls should understand how lucky they are to be Americans. By birth they are entitled to share in America’s bounty. And by birth they inherit her problems. It is my hope that this trip will instill in the girls a sense of responsibility and ownership for these United States of America. I hope they will see the country as I do – an imperfect home that I am deeply grateful for.
It is with gratitude we begin this adventure.