The Pursuit of Happiness

My family history is rich with stories of bravery and those seeking a better life. They came to America in pursuit of happiness.

My dad’s grandfather and his family were German Mennonite farmers who came from Prussia, seeking a better life and religious liberty. His mother’s family came from Ireland during a famine. America promised an end to the lack of food and hardship.

On my mother’s side, my great-grandmother, Nora, came to the Oklahoma Territory in a covered wagon, and another great grandma participated in the Oklahoma land run when she was left widowed.

We have letters from relatives who served our country and fought in several wars across the globe. My great grandfather, Bryan, left the United States at the young age of 18 when he was drafted into World War II. He rode on the Queen Mary to Germany to fight against the spread of communism. After the war, he returned to farming with a great appreciation and love for his country. He was Native American. Through much struggle and hard work, my other great grandfather became a successful entrepreneur after the Great Depression by selling cars, owning a lumber business, and farming.

None of my ancestors were promised happiness. They weren’t promised wealth. They weren’t promised success or any easy life. America promised them freedom of religion and the pursuit of happiness. Some days, I think they would all be sad at how we have been divided as a nation. Some days, I am sad to read about attacks on Christian principles and values my relatives fought so hard to preserve. Please pray for our nation. Some days, I feel as if we have lost our soul. We have freedom, but may we use it to offer opportunity and the pursuit of happiness to all people, as well as ourselves.