Kimberly Bauer

America, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. The beauty of your mountains, the endless skies, the stars shining over your small towns, and the sun rising over your fields. I’ve seen places most Americans will never see. I’ve witnessed the worst humanity has to offer, yet nothing has ever changed the way I see you. You’re not perfect. You’ve got scars, struggles, and a history filled with both triumph and heartbreak. But you’re still beautiful to me. I don’t need a camera to remember the moments that made me fall in love with you. They’re written into my heart. The flag waving in the morning breeze. The sound of children laughing. The silence when Taps is played. The faces of those who never made it home. One day, my eyes will close for the last time, but until then, I want to take in every sunrise, every sunset, and every beautiful moment you have left to give me. Because after everything I’ve seen, everywhere I’ve been, and everything I’ve survived, there’s still nowhere on Earth I’d rather call home. I love you, America. And I always will.