On a cold, snowy evening, I curled up in a comfortable chair, wrapped myself in a warm blanket and read a tome on Celtic culture. I came across the phrase, "the puissant Celtic race..." I dinna ken its meaning, so left my toasty cocoon and went to my dependable dictionary.

Puissant - adjective, archaic, poetic/literary meaning having great power or influence.

St. Paddy's Day being only a few weeks away, this phrase stirred a musing on my Celtic roots.

It's been over 234 years since Thomas Paine wrote those words. During that time, this country has experienced wars, disasters, economic troubles and national heartaches. The present is not different with the current turmoil coming from within. Not since the Civil War has politics of incitement polarized Americans.

Incendiary packages in the mail, IEDs, and the latest Congressional assassination attempt highlight this strife. Through it all Americans persevere. Why? How? The simplicity of the answer is complex.

It's because we are united in our humanity. Despite race or creed, Americans understand that we are a nation of individuals melded together in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. We can be stubborn and ornery at times, but when tragedy strikes our humanity shines through. As ever - BB