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We came home to America back in mid-April...and as nice and clean and safe as America is, well, it's boring here! But I know it's not the country itself, but the plethora of family we left behind. Last week my nephew flew in and he'll be staying with us. He's a really good kid - our foster daughter says he's got a 'cute butt' (and we've since been telling her that he's already engaged (he's not)). He wants to work here, adjust his visa so he can stay and get his citizenship...for despite all our problems, American citizenship is still the most prized in the world. My nephew loves America and will work hard and loyally here...but when he gets old, he'll return to the Philippines. Why? America is the Land of Opportunity. All one really needs is gumption to make a good living here...and that's why America is the place to be if one wants to earn a lot of money. But when it's time for one to retire, the Philippines — or some other relatively safe place with big families and lots of smiles — is the place to be.
Two years to go...and — God willing — I'll go home, but not to America. I'll go home to my family in a backwater slum in a third-world megalopolis...a place where I can still be a good American, where I can still help people, and where I would still be sincerely appreciated for doing so.
Yes, life is good, thanks be to God.
Article comments
1 - Clarence Yu
Great article. Though I beg to disagree on the system of collecting income and sales tax --- oh, the Bureau of Internal Revenue can be quite creative.
2 - Ruvy
Bang up article Glenn! Your writing reminds me of a less bitter version of Moshe Saperstein. An Israeli humor writer who once wrote for the Jerusalem Post, who wrote essays on life in Nevé Dekalim in Gush Qatif, where he and Rachel had retired to live - and who wrote bitterly of being expelled from his home there by a criminal Israeli regime led by Ariel Sharon.
He too, lives in a slum. Not by choice, or to be near relatives, but because his home was stolen from him.
3 - Glenn Contrarian
Thank you both for the encouragement - it really does help. Maybe this is the better way to become published, by writing about experiences and ironies most Americans don't see - instead of writing long, fictional epics on a grand scale and then watch the torrid pace of technology outdate everything one has written in a matter of months.
Again, thanks!
4 - Jordan Richardson
Nice article, Glenn. I've passed this over to my wife's family (she's Filipino). Very unique, fresh perspective with great lively tone and sharp punches of humour. Well done!
5 - Joanne Huspek
I'm going to have to bookmark this to read again, it was that enjoyable. Nicely done!