On this Forth of July, as we celebrate independence, freedom and democracy, I want to share a very special story. A story that each time my Grandfather would share, he would weep with gratitude and reverence. It is the story of his journey to freedom in America.

At the age of 17 he left Austria, just before World War II began, leaving behind his parents and eleven siblings. The Nazi's eventually captured and killed all of his immediate family, except for one sister who followed my grandfather to America. In search of a better life and sensing the eminent danger that was weeks away, he left his entire life behind.

With only the clothes on his back, he journeyed for several weeks on foot, by train and by boat. Then one day, as he said, he laid eyes on the most beautiful vision he had ever seen — The Stature of Liberty. As he stepped foot on the soil of democracy he fell to his knees, kissed the ground and wept, for he knew he was finally free.

How many millions of immigrants have passed through Ellis Island, the Florida Straits, and the Mexican borders in search of the same freedom my Grandfather sought? Let us share these courageous tales with our children. Let us instill a sense of gratitude that we live in a country of magnificent beauty, where each of us has a voice, where we can practice whatever faith we believe in, where we are free to choose our own destiny.

In an era where so many of our citizens are unhappy with our government's choices, where our country is divided over immigration policies and many of our personal freedoms are being debated, we need to remember how precious independence and freedom is.

On this Fourth of July, take some time with your children to read the Declaration of Independence. This is probably the most beautiful and powerful document ever written. Spend some time talking about the courage of our forefathers and every immigrant who sought freedom to live a better life.

If our country is to continue being a beacon of hope for those who have been living in oppression, we must teach our children to have reverence for the bravery of our founding fathers, for the gift of independence and for this beautiful country we live in.

As we celebrate this holiday take a moment and reflect upon the sacrifices so many have made in the pursuit of freedom. Pray for those around the world who live in oppression and remember how truly blessed we are to be free

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Debbie Milam is the co-creator of "Empowering Our Children: Creating Connected Families, Classrooms, and Communities " . She is an occupational therapist and life coach whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a highly effective parent. Visit her online at www.bestyoucanbe.org and sign up for her newsletter to receive your special report, "Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family." © Copyright 2008 Debbie Milam.

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