Jul 6, 2009

My 4th of July's tale

For the first time in my life, I had a close encounter with the symbol of America - the bald eagle. It was on 4th of July's Eve, when I took my kiddo - along with some good friends - to the local zoo. I've never seen bald eagles before; mind you, this Cuban (American) Mom has been so for only a few years.

I am not a huge fan of zoos; although I believe they do great things for animals, specially those that are not fit to live in their natural environments anymore, I can't help the feeling that I rather see those animal living in their natural habitats...

But this trip gave me - among a lot other great sights - the chance to see bald eagles and to witness the singing-barking conversation this lovely couple was having, up close and personal.

What a coincidence, I thought, just in the eve of the 4th of July, which is a dearest celebration for me, way beyond barbecues, friends and fireworks.

And when I told my son "Look, they are bald eagles, they are the symbol of America, the symbol of your homeland", he was really quick to note the obvious: "Mama, pero ellas no son calvas". (Mom, but they are not bald).

They really are magnificent animals. I tried to keep them in my mind as the symbol of this year's 4th of July, specially in the middle of the thunder storms that are loving us way too much this summer.

And when I was ready to start whining about the weather being the single item that didn't work with us and with the fireworks this year, I first read about a father who has lost his son in Afghanistan, right on Independence Day.

What on earth should I complain for, because of the rain on the 4th of July?
In this life, everthing is so relative... depending on the set of eyes you're using to look at them.
Thank you, Aaron.

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