America is not just a country, it is an idea. And that idea belongs to everybody who wishes to serve it. ~Bono
This post was written by my sister, Stacey Lazos.
My husband had his oath ceremony last week. It was the culmination of 8 years of moving toward the idea of America and on my end at least, there were A LOT of tears. The ceremony itself was frustrating for sure (communicating with USCIS is like the most infuriating relationship you’ve ever been in but can’t leave) and beautiful (400 people and their families, all with a story worth telling, showing up to pledge an oath to an idea…cue the music swell). Some of the tears were for our personal story and the relief felt that the journey had come to an end. But most of the tears came from a different place, one that took into consideration the state of the world today, especially this idea in which we live.
When my husband arrived in America, I lived in Florida. Go ahead and make your jokes, but the beach is beautiful and I was able to both check out and be a productive adult, all at the same time. It wasn’t Eden, but it did serve its purpose and for that I’m grateful. My husband was not as charmed by its offerings and we made the decision to move and get a fresh start for both of us. We picked a town in Tennessee and although I had been living in Florida, it did not prepare me for the undertones of the south.
Every place you live has a feel, a vibe, a story. And of course, there is always a dark and light component. There is a lot of beauty here and many wonderful people and happenings all around. And there is also the history and undercurrent of racism and the patriarchy that can loom so large you wonder if you didn’t step through a portal to the 1800’s. Most days I don’t feel this, but on the day of the ceremony, sitting in the auditorium with 400 families from 88 different countries and representatives from our government who have been so vile about our immigration system, my emotions were upended. Mostly I just felt sad that we, as those in service to the idea, had so incredibly lost the plot.
Growing up, I’m sure I did not understand America as an idea. I, like most people I knew (and most I know today) was incredibly entitled in my thinking about the world. I grew up in a small bubble, mostly white, and although I expanded my circle as a young adult and considered myself somewhat worldly in my 20s, I would have to say my lens was still pretty myopic.
But these last few decades have put the world on display. The connectivity we all share is undeniable. The fact that our earth is getting hotter and our weather is getting more drastic shines a spotlight on our responsibility to our planet and each other. And yet the political climate in this idea of America is farcical, absurd and disturbing. Grown men and women shouting lies at the top of their lungs in an effort to keep what they think they have and trying to make sure someone else doesn’t get it. All the lies are coming to the surface and some days it feels like walking through a swamp to get to your morning coffee.
This writing is not about racism, the patriarchy, our broken immigration system or any of the thousands of other things I felt that day. It really is just to shine a spotlight on the stories of those 400 people and their power of belief in wanting to serve an idea much bigger than themselves. I think, in this moment in history, we can all use that reminder.
Stacey Lazos 7.7.24
Green Life Blue Water 
Hello Hludey!!!!!! Just following you. Saw pics from Karen!!!!! Miss your face!!!!! Just getting into your literary genius!!!! I smile just looking at you. 🥰👍
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Hludey!! So nice to see you here! Would love to catch up with you. Maybe we can figure out a halfway point for a visit.🥰
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This was an inspiring story and so needed during these times.
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Thanks 🙏 Michele.
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Wow, I needed to read this beautiful post today! Our city is grappling with rapid change as the idea of Canada (in our hearts and minds) changes minute by minute and yes, just stepping out into my small part of the world can be challenging but we’re holding on tight to our compassion, generosity and positivity with open arms…
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Three cheers for compassion, generosity and positivity! xox
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America was founded on a great idea, and it still is. The main focus should be on providing proper education to build a healthy life. It is an excellent story, my dear Pam. Congrats to your sister.🥰🌟🤙💖
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Thank you, Aladin. 🙏😘❤️
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Also, I don’t know why I can’t leave a comment on your blog, Aladin. It keeps telling me I’m not logged in when below my name it says I am. So strange….
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I think it is because of the conflict (if you try it on your phone) between WP’s App and WP on the browser. When I want to write a comment on my phone, it always asks me to log in, but if I use the App (Jetpack), there is no need to log in!🙄😁🙏💖
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Except it even does it on my computer. I used to have this problem with Rose’s blog, but then it fixed itself. Not sure what’s happening but it’s annoying.
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Aha! There’s a possibility to chat with them if you click the question mark at the right above. 🤔💖
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A wonderful post. Pam, your sister is like you, one smart lady xxx
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Awww, thanks, Lady Shey. 😘❤️😍
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It’s, truly, interesting to see, how, the defintions if, being naturalized as a U.S. citizen had, shifted from before. In the, earlier years, it’s considered, something, honorable to, finally become, naturalized, but, in these past few years, the definitions of, being, a, U.S. citizen gets, reduced to, passports that are, much easier to, travel with to other countries, as, what Uncle Sam stood for, is, no longer, anything to be, proud of, as, the higher up power status of U.S. is now, sliding down that, slippery, slope…
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Ugh, it’s so very true. America may fade into legend like Camelot or Avalon. 😞
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