The other day a friend mentioned that she was “not very patriotic.”  That’s fine!  But the Fourth of July celebrations do remind me that I just happen to be very lucky to be born an American because there are many things for which I am extremely grateful.  Traveling to other countries has shown me how to appreciate: clean water, being able to go on a trip whenever I please, speaking my mind openly in public, eating and drinking whatever I want, free restrooms, lots of wide open spaces and the ability to drive while female!