What Inspires Me?

Local Girl over at An Island Life is running a photo contest that asks the question, "What Inspires You?"

Most of my long-time blogging friends know my family story, but because I've gained some new readers of late, and to explain why the above photo best represents my inspiration, let me share a tale of adventure and awe.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away....

Ooops! Sorry! Let's try this again...

My parents were born in 1924 in Indonesia. During World War II, during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, my parents (not married at the time) were imprisoned by the Japanese. My father was tortured by the Koreans on behalf of the Japanese for his role in fighting the occupation. My mother, in order to secure additional food and other rations for her stepmother and younger siblings, became a "comfort woman" to the Japanese soldiers who guarded the women's camp.

After Indonesia gained its independence from The Netherlands, those of "mixed" or "impure" blood (i.e., not pure Indonesians) were forced to flee Indonesia or risked being killed (think: ethnic cleansing). My parents, by now married with a preschooler and an infant, escaped to The Netherlands with my oldest sisters in tow and not much else.

Years later, in order to secure more educational opportunities for their daughters, my parents immigrated to the United States. Ten months after their arrival, I was born, their fifth and last daughter and their only American-born child.

I grew up knowing the sacrifices and challenges my parents had faced. Neighborhood kids used to tease me about my brown skin, my "slitty" eyes, and my parents' "funny" accents. All the while, my parents taught me to stand proud and remember that all of those things didn't matter because I WAS AN AMERICAN.

I continue to be awed by the sight of a flag rippling in the breeze, I stand stock-still when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and I am moved to tears when I hear/sing the National Anthem.

My parents' story is what inspires me, and the flag of The United States of America is an outward sign of what people like my parents have lived and died for for centuries. It inspires me to be a better citizen, a better person, a better friend, and a better parent. I hope my story will inspire my children to do the same.

********************************************************

If you feel compelled to vote for me in this photo contest, please click here from March 9 - 11 and let Local Girl know that you vote for me, Desert Songbird at The Ice Box. You may vote once per day.

Thanks for your support!

An added note: Click here for the latest news story on Japan's role in these sexual atrocities.





.