As we celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday, I find myself feeling especially grateful.

Like many families, we’ll gather around the table, watch fireworks, enjoy good food, laugh a little louder, and soak in the traditions that make summer feel like home. Those moments may seem simple, but they are anything but ordinary. They are possible because of the freedoms we enjoy every single day.

This holiday has become even more personal for me over the years.

One of my greatest sources of pride is watching my son serve our country on active duty. His willingness to serve reminds me that freedom isn’t something to take for granted. It’s protected every day by men and women who choose service over self.

Tomorrow, July 5, my husband and I will celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. Choosing that date was no accident. Long before I became part of his family, they taught me what it means to love this country—to honor its history, respect those who have served, and never lose sight of how blessed we are to live here. Their patriotism became part of my own story, and for that I am deeply thankful.

In a world that often feels noisy and divided, I choose gratitude.

Gratitude for the freedom to gather around our dinner tables.
Gratitude for the freedom to worship.
Gratitude for the freedom to raise our children with hope.
Gratitude for the freedom to build businesses, chase dreams, speak our minds, and celebrate the traditions that connect generations.

Those freedoms aren’t perfect, and neither are we. But they are precious.

So this weekend, as I set out the food on the picnic table, wave the flag at the annual Fourth of July parade in Morristown, NY, and celebrate another year of marriage, I’ll be quietly saying thank you.

Thank you to those who came before us.
Thank you to those who serve today.
And thank you for the privilege of calling this country home.

Happy 250th birthday, America.

May we never stop appreciating the gift of freedom—and may we continue gathering around our tables with grateful hearts.