Today is the day…
For me…to say thanks to the USA.

And on this occasion…
I am visiting Mount Vernon Plantation.

For the second time in my life…I enter humbly…
The home of the Father of this Country

Today 50 years ago I arrived…
After I left The Netherlands behind.

I am glad on that first day…
My husband John decided to stay.

Opportunities galore…
A desire to return to the Netherlands no more.

No tales…
The wind was always in our sails.

Finances secure…
No hardships to endure.

Proud to be an American
No longer a Dutch citizen

I had my share of challenges…grieve and sorrows…
But always the strength to face tomorrow’s.

Looking back 50 years…
I experienced much more happiness than tears.

I visited EVERY state
And I live in the one with the Golden Gate

Abroad I also travel a lot…
But a better place to live…believe me…there is not.

I am thankful for the many years I got to stay…
In the USA.

This land is my land………
Praising it enough…I just can’t!