I just got my naturalization certificate. after 16 years in this country. I'm now officially an American. I'll never speak after the President of the United States.

I'm from a small country in South America and after 16 years in this country, I decided to take the plunge and apply for my naturalization. I'm 43 years old and it's been an incredible journey. I was very young, scared and had little family ties when I got here. I lived under the radar for quite a while, and was able to get my first job and after that more jobs. Eventually I after 10 years I was able to get my green card and start the process to become a citizen.<br><br>When I was a kid back in my country, my father used to tell me that "one day I'll stop speaking after the President of the United States of America". I never understood what that meant, he used to say "I'll be silent and never speak after you".<br><br>It wasn't until today that I understood what he meant, when I was swearing the Oath of Allegiance, and I could feel tears in my eyes. My father passed away 9 years ago, so he wasn't there to see me after the President of the United States, but he will always be with me and in my heart.<br><br>When I got home I had a picture of me and my father, and I placed my naturalization certificate in between of us, to show that even if he's not here, I'll always be with him, but now, as an American.<br><br>I hope that I can do my father proud, and also that one day I'll be able to make my new country proud of me. I love America, and I love to be an American. I'll always remember what that means and what I am thankful for.<br><br>Thank you to the people that saw me through this journey, the ones that believed in me, the ones that doubted me, the ones that welcomed me, and the ones that rejected me.<br><br>I love you all.<br><br>PS: I just got my naturalization certificate, will get my passport in a few weeks, but I already feel part of the country.<br><br>Edit: I never thought that this could get so many responses and love. I appreciate every single one of them and I can't thank you all enough. I'm overwhelmed with the love. The border that separates south and north America will never be built. As a matter of fact, after reading all of your comments, now I want to build a bridge to connect America with South America. Thank you all.