I remember as a kid, coming home the first day at the start of a new school year, with the biggest text book I had ever seen in my life. I was groaning about the fact that I would have to carry this thing around all year. My mom asked me what class it was for, I told her it was my Texas History textbook.
I'll always remember the smile of pride on her face when she explained to me how lucky I was. I was born and raised in a state as magnificent as Texas, with such a rich and interesting history, that the textbook had to be that big to do it any justice.
When I thought about it, I knew she was right. "Texan" is a birthright I carry as proudly with me as I do "American". My job currently has displaced me from my wonderful home state, but I look forward to the day when I can go back home to Texas.