Surely there

must be new definitions for what freedom means in the hearts of all Americans

this year. Actually, in just my lifetime, to date, there seems to have

been an evolution of what freedom means. I suspect the founding fathers

knew the definition would evolve.

We are constantly

rediscovering the tremendous responsibility that accompanies freedom.

Never in my history as an American born patriot has the responsibility

of freedom been made so clear as it has been in recent months.

Freedom is

a glorious thing. Some freedoms cannot be granted to us, or taken from

us. They truly are our inborn rights, regardless of nationality or country

of origin.

For instance,

there is in all of us the freedom to let our minds and hearts explore

the universe on any given day. The muse for such inspiration need be no

more than a leaf, a blade of grass, or a grain of sand. The feel of the

wind on one's face or the warmth of the sun can further stimulate such

exploration. Add to that the smile of a child, or the clasp of a baby's

tiny fingers around one of your own and you become free to explore heights

of grandeur.

In contemplating

a special 2002 Fourth of July column, I had thoughts of grandeur. This

year I would define the day as I have never defined it before. Or so I

thought. Little did I know it would be defined so clearly and simply for

me. It would a story that would tell it like it is for every American,

naturally born or immigrant. Perhaps it is your personal story.

You see, I

was in my hairdresser's chair a week ago when a woman walked into the

salon and approached another hairdresser, who was not busy at the time,

with these words, "You know how I heard about you through word of

mouth, so you know how valuable such advertisement is, I hoped you would

help me."

The woman talked

about how she wanted to work and help support her family, but she wanted

to do it around her family's schedule. Out of such desire had evolved:

Barks and Blooms Home and Pet Sitting Service.

As I eavesdropped,

I learned her name was Cindy. She sought to provide an alternative to

boarding the family pet when the family was away. She would go into the

home to play with, walk, bathe, and of course, feed the pet. While there,

she could water flowers and was prepared to provide other lawn care needs

as well. She talked about how she could tailor the package to suit any

individual pet's or home's needs.

There in the

mirror before me, in the reflection of Cindy, I saw what it means to be

an American. I saw why Abe Lincoln believed he could be who he became.

I saw why Bill Gates could become Bill Gates. I saw every American mother

who has a chance to have it all. I saw me.

I liked what

I saw. I like America. I like freedom. I like the fact that word of mouth

is still the best advertisement for anybody or anything. I recall so many

little books over the past decade that nobody in New York had time for,

little self-published books like "The Christmas Box," "A

Time To Kill," and "The Bridges of Madison County" that

became household names because the folks who read them talked about them.

I recall when

Joe Frank Harris was running for governor how my younger son and I took

to the road for a week that summer and drove all over Georgia asking folks

to vote for him. Harris never knew. He didn't need to know. I just liked

him, believed in him, and wanted others to know how I felt, so I told

them. My son was convinced that he and I put Harris into office that year.

Maybe we did. By exercising our freedom of speech.

What a precious

freedom it is. How awesome it is to be an American. Whether we are promoting

a new business, a worthy politician, a little known book, or just sharing

heart thoughts, freedom of speech is what makes America unique and special.

Worth fighting for. Worth dying for.

I may not agree

with you, I may not like what you say, or the way you say it, but I will

defend your right to say it. To feel it, to say it, to let it take form

and become bigger than you.

Don't think

for a moment that such freedom is a sure thing. It never has been. Never

can be. It must be respected, cherished and not abused, if it is to remain

what America is all about. By the way, if you are about to hit the road

and see more of this great country, you can call Cindy at 770-599-8684

to discuss how she can care for your home.

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