Christmas Was Made for Children?

There is an old song with that title. "Christmas Was Made for Children." And so it seems to be everyone's favorite holiday. HOWEVER, I think the Fourth of July runs a close second! I'll just bet that everyone who reads this humble blog can remember Independence Day as a day filled with family, fun, heat, and joyously setting off fireworks that made it so special for us as children!

The best part of July 4th is that it occurs in the summer time. Kids out of school! Parents shamelessly tossing caution aside to let the kids run around swatting lightning bugs, lighting firecrackers, and allowing sparklers in their midst! Running through the sprinkler! Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers! Getting sweaty and dirty without getting yelled at! We had corn on the cob straight out of the garden...and/or Mom's creamed new potatoes and peas, also out of the garden. What could be better than that??

Every year, the Fourth of July reminds me of my childhood. That's long gone, of course, but the memories will always be there. We had our traditions. After I became a divorced lady, my daughter and I spent a few years spending the Fourth at Symphony on the Prairie. (Can't beat it for music and fireworks!) Then, when the grandchildren were here, we made our own traditions. We had red, white, and blue cupcakes and sang the Birthday Song to our country before walking down to Hummel Park for music and fireworks. What a great time!

We Americans are so very blessed to live in this great land. We must never forget that it is our patriotic duty to "stand beside her and guide her". Sadly, this will be the first Independence Day of my 63 years of life that I will spend the holiday without family. Still, I intend to do something to honor the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I lived in a few other countries as a kid. It drove home the message that we should all get down on our knees each day and thank the good Lord that we are, by accident of birth, Americans. Don't ever take it for granted!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USA!!!