JULY 4, 2018 – While planning my 4th of July festivities, it occurred to me that I’ve never before felt so aware of being born an American, and all the blessings that entails. As blessings go, one of my favorites is the fact that I’ll celebrate Independence Day with two dozen good, kind, caring Americans … who happen to have been born in other countries.
“Just wanting to say that
I feel very blessed
to have you in my life.”
I grew up on a farm in the heart of the heartland – central Illinois – where Cardthartic still maintains its Sales & Fulfillment Center today. As much as I appreciate the place and its people now, I could not wait to hightail it out of there at 18. I cherished those 139 pals in my graduating class, yet I longed to know people who did not eat, drink, think and speak in the exact same manner that we did. So, after college, I moved to the Chicago neighborhood known as Clark & Diversity (aka Diversey :) And, two decades ago, on to the big, beautiful meld that is Miami.
While fireworks are lighting up the Atlantic in front of my place, I’ll look around at all the smiling faces on my terrace and know in my bones that we’re a successful nation not in spite of our diversity, but because of it. Along with a few New Yorkers and me, in this little microcosm by the sea will be proud Americans originally from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, England, Germany, Haiti, Israel, Peru, Poland, Spain and Venezuela. It’s nothing less than enthralling for the farm girl in me to hear Pam tell of boarding school in India, listen to Liza speak of living in Japan, and see the pics world-traveler George took on his latest adventure to Denmark. As different as we all may be culturally and in our upbringing, in these friends I see my exact same need: To feel connected, happy and fulfilled.
Inside our USA card reads, “Just wanting to say that I feel very blessed to have you in my life.” Today I ordered a couple dozen to send to each of the blessings that will share my terrace tomorrow night. In the hope that it will bring you pleasure to acknowledge those who grace your life near and far, we’re offering this card BOGO through July 15th (i.e., we will ship twice the quantity you place in your cart). God bless all who know just how good we have it here. Enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day, filled with all the blessings of this great American life.
~ jodee stevens
founder & chief creative
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