Genuine American Dream

I had intended to next publish a series of articles titled "Our Dream", but something happened to me over the Independence Day weekend and I decided to write this article first.  I saw the pursuit of the Genuine American Dream in action.

My wife, Cindy, and I spent two days on a camping trip on Grand Mesa.  During our trip we had dinner at the Thunder Mountain Lodge Restaurant (formerly the Spruce Lodge).  We each had a great meal and then experienced the Genuine Pursuit of The American Dream.

Our meals included some the best baby back ribs I have ever had and then Cindy and I shared an incredible piece of blueberry pie.  After our meal, husband and wife owners, Billy and Jaime took the time to visit us at our table to make certain we were content with our dining experience.  Billy explained that the baby back ribs come from a friend of his who has, on the back of those delicious ribs, built a business that includes several restaurants and retail outlets throughout our western states.  Our comments on the blueberry pie included the fact that the crust is like my mom makes and that there are a whole bunch of berries in each slice.  That comment had Billy explaining to us that the pies are made in Collbran, Colorado by a couple of sisters who have built a business named Twisted Sisters Grub Box.

Billy and Jaime proudly introduced us to their recently born son who has the nickname of "Roscoe".  You will find that the employee tee shirts and other advertising say "Roscoe's Thunder Mountain Lodge Restaurant" because Billy and Jaime are working to make a better world of opportunity for their son.  This young couple has taken the risk to move their family, work seven days a week to build their business, and employ several local residents.

The baby back ribs, the blueberry pie and the restaurant are all examples of how our country was built and what makes it strong.  The experience I had is repeated across The United States of America a million times a day.  When you encounter someone pursuing the Genuine American Dream, do you recognize just how special that experience is?  Once in a while when you find yourself recognizing someone providing a pleasing moment for you through their willingness to risk and work hard, why not thank them for their efforts?

After two days up in the mountains, Cindy and I participated in an experience that defines the greatness of our country.  On July 4^th, we participated in the Cherry Days, Independence Day Parade in Paonia, Colorado.  We both walked along and passed out candy to those along the street who showed up to watch the numerous floats, horse riders, a train for the kiddos and other creative additions to the experience.  While in the parade I noticed that on at least four occasions some of those viewing the parade loudly voiced their negative opinion regarding the Republican Party when the Delta County Republican Party Float passed by them.  What a great country!  The Delta County Republicans were allowed to publically promote their organization and those who disagreed publically made their opinions known without the involvement of any government authorities.

The surveys I have read state that only about 16 percent of the people of the world live where they have freedom of speech (press).  Let us never forget that the greatness of our country is built by those individuals who are pursuing the American Dream and the freedom of speech we enjoy is a precious thing that 84% of human beings do no have.  We are all so blessed to live in this country and may we always show our gratitude on Independence Day.

Please feel free to contact me at the following email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. '; document.write(''); document.write(addy_text82397); document.write('<\/a>'); //-->\n This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• < Prev
• Next >