I have had a lifelong love affair with this country and all that it has to offer its citizens. And even though we now find ourselves in some very troubling times, there is no question in my mind that Americans will once again rise to the challenge and restore the full promise of the American Spirit. I have recorded in this book my thoughts and feelings about some of the people, places, and events that are now shaping our future. I hope that by doing so it will cause people to think about what must be done by each and every one of us to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunities that we have had to follow our dreams. And I hope this book will cause people to stop and think about all of the little things that come with freedom that we sometimes take for granted.