Proud to (finally) be an American

For the first time on a Fourth of July, 90-year-old Pushpa Bhavsar can call herself an American.

Bhavsar, a native of India who wears her turquoise Sun Health volunteer smock over her sari, keeps with her Indian tradition but said she has enjoyed her first few weeks as a U.S. citizen.

"It made me feel good," Bhavsar said of the ceremony during which she became an American. "I feel safe here."

Bhavsar said she can experience true freedom in the United States.

"Freedom of speech, freedom of religion and liberty," Bhavsar said.

She has lived most of the past 23 years in the United States, and has volunteered at Sun Health for 21 of them, she retained her Indian citizenship until just recently.

But after traveling back to India twice, and losing her green card once, she decided it was time to make herself a permanent resident, in part because she could then travel freely.

She enlisted study help from her son-in-law, who quizzed her on the citizenship test questions and said she breezed through the naturalized citizen test.

Bhavsar recently joined about 500 others who participated in the oath ceremony for naturalized citizens in Mesa.

Bhavsar came to the United States in 1985 to live with her daughter and son-in-law, who are both working professionals in Phoenix, to help take care of their three children.

Bhavsar said besides helping raise her grandchildren, she also cooks for the family traditional, Indian vegetarian dishes.

"All of my son-in-laws like my food," Bhavsar said.

Her daughter encouraged her to volunteer her time as well, and Bhavsar found her calling at the Sun Health Boswell Rehabilitation Center, where she does clerical work.

Theresa Jardine, coordinator of volunteer services with the rehabilitation center, said Bhavsar brings a lot of wisdom and warmth to patients and staff alike.

"She's always in a good mood," Jardine said of Bhavsar. "Everyone loves her, and she hugs everybody when she comes in."

Bhavsar also has a way of helping Jardine look on the bright side of life.

"She's cheerful and optimistic," Jardine said. "I tell her (about a problem), and she says, 'You look at it this way ...', and puts things into perspective."

Joy Slagowski may be reached at 623-876-2514, or jslagowski@yourwestvalley.com.