Today’s email is brief, as I write this on Memorial Weekend, but this story seems fitting to share.
On my recent trip to NYC, I had an extended chat with a cab driver on the second night. I noted his accent and asked him how he ended up in New York City. He told me his parents and siblings came to the United States first, and then finally persuaded him to join them.
He was quick to tell me that the United States is the best country. I told him that we Americans hear that all the time and many of us also say that, but for most of us, it's really all we know. We probably take way too much for granted. I asked him to please tell me why he believed America was so great.
He told me that he moved to Greece in his twenties, and immigration asked him what he wanted to do there. He replied, “Go to school.” They told him, “You can't go to our schools. What do you want to do here?” He responded, “Okay, then I want to work.” He said they told him, “No, you can't do that here either.”
My cabby said he was forced to work illegally (off the record) for the seven years he stayed there. When he finally came to the US to join his family, he was able to get work right away. Being able to make an honest living as a cab driver allowed him to pay his own way and provide for his family. That was twenty years ago and he still absolutely loves our country.
May we all take a moment to remember our abundant liberties and say thanks to those who paved the way for our democracy, and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our many freedoms. I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend, and have a wonderful week!