Patriotism through Quiet Acts

This Fourth of July, I woke up early in West Rogers Park and headed to Social Change's community garden in Englewood, like I do on most Saturdays in the summer.

There were weeds to pull, trees to trim, and a few odds and ends that had accumulated over the past week. I'm a novice gardener, but trimming is a safe space for me. The rain from the night before had taken care of the watering.

A gray striped tabby wandered through the garden, keeping a watchful eye on me and hoping I might offer a pat or a snack. We admired each other from a respectful distance.

Several neighbors stopped to say hello. One smiled and said he sees me there most Saturdays. I laughed and told him, "I'm just a volunteer."

Another neighbor picked two green tomatoes. She had hoped for more, but they'll be ready soon. I told her to come back.

As I worked, I found myself thinking about Independence Day.

For me, patriotism is beyond fireworks, parades, or speeches. I prefer quiet ways to express myself by caring for the places we share with others.

It shows up in tending a community garden, talking with neighbors, sharing a harvest, and leaving a place a little better than it was before, hopefully.

With so much going on in the world, I am happy to be grounded, to warmly meet my neighbors across Chicago, and celebrate the beauty of the U.S.A. That was my holiday.