Fiona's epiphany and the American Dream

Every night, as a family, we pray.

The whole family jumps onto our bed. We all cuddle up together. We say our prayers.

Years ago, we added a portion we call “thankfuls.”
 
During thankfuls, we each say something specific from that day for which we were grateful.
 
Some days it’s as simple as “seeing the smile on Rocky’s face as he went down the slide.”
 
My daughter’s most common refrain is “having a good time with” either Mom, Dad or Rocky.
 
Last night during prayers, my daughter said something unexpected.
 
She said, “I’m thankful for all the people daddy works with.”
 
I asked her what she meant by that. She said, “All the people that sacrifice their money and their time to help the poor people.”
 
Hmmm.
 
She wasn’t just talking about our team at work, although I must admit they are quite wonderful. She was thankful for all of you.
 
And she’s right.
 
Because it's your donation that protects the miracle of the free market and the American Dream.
 
It’s your sacrifices that help kids, such as Aaliyah Johnson, rise up from horrific circumstances to attend one of the most elite schools on Chicago’s South Side.
 
It’s your investment that lifts the homeless, such as Stephen Blake, out of the desperation of begging and into prosperity through the dignity of entrepreneurship and work.
 
We talk a lot about tax codes, pension systems and collective bargaining, but those are not what we are fighting for. They are important, but those are the means.
 
The ends are our friends and neighbors. They are the people who work with us. They are the people at our church. And they are the people we don’t yet know who are struggling.
 
It’s you who give them hope.
 
And for that, it’s not just Fiona who is grateful: it’s everyone who calls this state “home.”
 
This year, know you are in my family’s thoughts and prayers. And we are grateful for you.
 
God bless you, and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
 
Matt