In America...There are no cats

'In America...there are no cats' says one of the lines of my favorite childhood movies...Fivel.The cute (Russian) mouse that is traveling with his family to America to avoid the evilness of cats.They paint the streets of NYC with cheese,and America as a great land with no cats.

How often are we moved to hear a first hand account of the greatness of America?How many times have you heard the "rags to riches" story that makes you so very proud to be apart of the red,white and blue?

I know not often.Ive lived outside of DC my whole life.I could drive 15 mins past the Pentagon,and I spent a childhood raising hell through the halls of Capitol Hill while most kids were playing with GI Joes.My brother was notorious for bringing race cars into the Capitol and letting the Captiol Police have a go at the remote controls.We take things like that for grant it sometimes.

Today,I was at work and had a customer browse through all of our pricey skincare products.She was dressed decently.And as she began to open her mouth and engage me in some chit chat as I often do on a slow afternoon at the mall...she had a Russian lilt.I began to beam saying both of my parents had been to Russia (...there are some good stories in there,trust me.) I also exclaimed how my husband and I would love to see Moscow and St.Petersburg like my parents have some day.

And the lady paused in her somewhat gumbled English and simply said...'America is great.Russia...I miss Russia but not as good as America.America is great.'

She had an utter gleam in her voice and eyes.Like 'If you knew what I have seen in Russia...this country has been a life saver.'I know the Russia she speaks of...My parents told me stories of children begging on the streets...of my Stepmom almost getting imprisoned in a Russian jail and you barter with money,booze and your life.

But America...

Helped her son become an outstanding police detective.He left Russia for Alaska where he could work on his English and be a fisherman.Once his English was perfected he sat for the police exmas.He passed the police exams...and has been here for 14 years.

The passion and tone of her voice...

Made me sad that more than half of Americans probably cant have such pride of that level for America,as this Russian immigrant.

It was humbling...

And it makes everything worth fighting for...and kssing my husband goodbye at the pier for a deployment to the Middle East.