Happy Independence Day!

As someone who stayed single into her early thirties, I've always been a big fan of independence. In honor of July 4, here are four freedoms I am thankful for:

• The freedom to marry a person of my choosing, not to have someone chosen for me.
• The freedom to attend a church and practice a religion of my choosing.
• The right to vote, and the fact that my daughter and I are considered citizens of this country, despite the fact that we are not white, male or rich.
• Summer vacation, which feels like the ultimate freedom, as I choose what I want to do and when I want to do it.

Hope you have a great 4th! What are you thankful for?