It was 1995. I would have just turned 16. And I was in the hospital surrounded by nurses and doctors struggling to save my life. I remember drifting in and out of consciousness. Confused. I remember my dad being there. I remember regretting that he was having to deal with this the day before his birthday.
It is 2009. I just turned 30. I now have ample evidence of just how much that 16-year-old would have missed had those doctors and nurses failed. I am grateful. I can see them in my mind... the experiences and people and lessons that have colored the last 14 years. I am so freaking grateful.
How does that relate to this blog? Well, I'll tell you. That day started a chain of events that ultimately led to my being placed in foster care the following spring. And, from there, doors did not close, they opened. Maybe some required brute force supplied by yours truly, perhaps other individuals would not have turned that road into what I did--I don't take away from myself the role I played--but it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the opportunities I had as a result of the city, state and country I live in.
The origin of my bias toward this whole United States thing? I'll reveal it to you here... When I had nothing else, I had a government that stepped in and gave me what I needed (and made me crazy enough to make me never want to need them to again lol).
So now you know. Why I am so grateful. And why this country means so much to me. For a short but crucial time, it stepped in as my family--fed me, clothed me, guided me. I count that as a blessing. There are other countries in which I would not have been as fortunate.
We pay too many taxes. But next time you look at that paycheck stub and cringe at all the money you never get to see directly... think of me. And know that I am grateful. And that I strive daily to build a life worth any extra trouble it may have caused along the way.
The idea that even $1 of all I have paid in taxes might have gone to helping u or someone like u..... that makes me glad. Well done, Idleman.
Posted by: Gregory B | Dec 11, 2009 at 04:00 PM
My last seven years wo you to help make it entertaining? I can't imagine. I guess I wouldnt have known any diff... or perhaps some part of me would have known. Either way glad I didn't have to know any life but the one you have been part of. ;p
Posted by: Shawn | Dec 13, 2009 at 08:54 AM
I complain a lot about how much money our government wastes--and it does wast a lot of money--but its good to be reminded that some of it is actually put to good use.
Posted by: Keri Hull | Dec 14, 2009 at 09:37 AM
How do we balance the best in us with the worst? Meaning, how do we make sure our tax money is used for worthwhile programs like the ones that helped Julie without also paying for congressional pork pet projects?
Posted by: Brett K | Dec 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM
@Brett. I think we start by paying attn, which most of us aren't. ;(
Posted by: Nick Lewis | Dec 28, 2009 at 11:49 AM