Pride in America

What happened to having pride in America? As a child sitting on my Grandfathers lap, listening to stories about how he came here from Italy, getting away from those terrible earthquakes that killed seven of his Brothers and Sisters. He arrived in New York and since he had no papers, he was put into a group that wore tags that said WOP, "with out papers". He even took on a more sounding American Name. He was one of the first teamsters, working for another Italian family driving a produce wagon and lifting 100 pound sacks of onions that was bigger than him. People would smile, and say how does that man carry so much weight without complaining.

He would often say the pride he felt as a new American and his religious faith kept him, most days from becoming bitter. Sure life would throw obstacles at him, that for most would make them look to a different way of thinking about life, but not my Grandpa. He stood lovingly and went on with his business as by now he had 3 sons and 3 daughters. Eventhrough the Depression, his pride in America never waived. On his death bed, he said something that I'll never forget. "Only a few things are important in life". Pride in your country, your faith, family and friends.