I can vote now ...

So, it's happened.  I finally did it.  I took the plunge, or more literally, the OATH.

I am now a citizen of the great country of the United States of America.

It's been a process that started back in April, maybe March.  Do the form, send the form, pay the money, get your picture taken, get your fingerprints, go to an initial hearing, get more pictures, get your documents, study for the test, get the interview, go to the interview, pass the interview, go to the ceremony, raise your hand, say the words, CRY.  Because I did.  As a dear friend said to me today, you will finally feel like you belong.  And he was right.

My dear husband joined me today with our two sons, who he wrangled in place while I sat and raised my hand and said the words and was accepted.  I think he took a few people out when trying to get me on tape saying the oath.  What a dear.

But I can vote now.

And I belong.

And I am proud to say that I am now an American.

September 5th, 2014