July 4

I just typed a blog post about Chapter 5 in Me, Myself, and Lies.  While I was typing, I heard distant fireworks, probably from some farm or maybe even campers along the river who are celebrating early.

The Fourth of July.

Memories of the Cattell Reunion and fireworks at Silver Park.

July 4, 1976 when Gary and I sat on the front steps of our house, a month before we were married, and dreamed about the future summer celebrations we would have at the house with our family.

 Cookouts with Alice and Dale and the boys, then fireworks at North Judson High School.

Many 4-H Fairs, where we spent most of the holidays in the Beef Barn, either showing the calves or prepping for show later in the week.  Most of our picnics were held in the pavilion in the park or consisted of pork burgers from the wagon outside the barn.

Recent parties at Megan and Matt's house where Clay and Mike have supplied the fireworks for them, along with Blaine and Matt, to shoot off for the enjoyment of family and friends.

Fireworks at Delphi with Blaine, Hilary, and the kids after cookouts in their back yard.

Celebrations of our Independence.

The Fourth of July is a bittersweet holiday for me.  In some ways it is the best holiday of summer - hot weather. Cookouts.  Fun with family (even at the fairgrounds). Fireworks (which I love).

But then the Back to School ads begin and now, with the earlier start of the school year, the halfway through summer mark has happened.

Still....I think of Independence.  Of my father and uncles who fought for our freedom.  Of the ever-growing division in our country today.  I pray that those who wish for unity would actually work for unity rather than focus on more and more division within our country. 

May we all remember what it took for all of us to be here, enjoying the freedom to celebrate this great holiday in this wonderful country.  May we all work hard to preserve those freedoms so that we can continues to celebrate the Fourth of July in years to come.