We are decidedly not fireworks people. I have never set fire to anything more grandiose than a sparkler on the 4th of July. I do, however, take pleasure in viewing firework displays – both the amateur local and impressive, highly structured professional varieties – and do so from a far. This holiday, our gal is really enjoying the mini-light shows some folks in the neighborhood have been putting on during the evenings leading up to America’s birthday. We will sit out on the driveway with some milk and cookies and look skyward for the glittering flashes of red, white and blue. We are looking forward to flipping on the television after our holiday BBQ cookout by the pool at Grandmom and Grandpop’s and watching the festivities from New York, D.C. and Philadelphia – all of which will be broadcast live, some with orchestral music crescendos in the background. That is always an enjoyable way to spend a night after a fun day celebrating our nation’s independence with full bellies and flush faces from too much sun.
During gaps in the performances, she will tread carefully and attempt to capture, if only momentarily, lightening bugs (fireflies) in the front yard. She is only three years old but is already quite good at securing those little illuminated fellows by cupping her hands without injuring them in any way and talking to them a bit before sending them on their way.
The fourth of July is a wonderful time of year to remember how lucky we are in this country, for our freedoms and our collective ability to express ourselves as we see fit. Some of us may celebrate and revel in our independence in quiet remembrance, catching fireflies in our yards, while others may do so in more spectacular ways setting fireworks ablaze – but no matter what you and your family does to mark the country’s birthday, have fun and enjoy spending the time together!