Celebrating our freedom and making memories

Growing up, the 4th of July was always a sweet time spent with my late grandmother.  Because we lived so far away and were only able to see her once a year, the visit was much awaited for on both ends.  The drive down to the small southern Illinos town was always an adventure and a dreadfully L-O-N-G car ride.   We knew what was awaiting us, so we filled the time with car games, sisterly gossip (and fighting) and listening (laughing) to the crazy hick town stations as we passed through.

Upon our arrival, my grandmother would greet us with warm kisses and long hugs.  Her skin always smelled of Elizabeth Arden “Diamonds” and was so incredibly soft.  In the background,  John Phillips Sousa would be playing on the radio.  After our greeting, no matter if we were hungry or not, sandwiches or sweets were served followed by discussions of how tall we were getting, and stories of when she was growing up.  As the day continued, the aroma of popcorn filled the air as my mom would put it in a paper sack, prep lemonade and gather lawn chairs.  As dusk fell, we would all pile into our green Wind-star to head out to the county fair.   Amongst the crowds we would find my uncle playing his black clarinet in the local band shell with the other members of the band.  Following the vast array of American music (of each song my grandma would either humm or sing to!) and as the mosquitoes came to pray on the audience, one large BOOM came followed by beautiful glittery patches of greens, blues, reds and golds.

As a kid, it was a magical moment of being surrounded by those who loved and cared for me.  As we huddled near each other in our sweats gobbling popcorn and ooohing and aaahing at the flashes of light we not only were celebrating our freedom, we were making memories.

Today I will pack up my family, head out to watch the booms and glitter, cover ears, and pop popcorn with my own family.  We’ll set up the lawn chairs and fight off the misquotes in our sweats, play John Phillips Sousa, remember my grandmother and continue to make memories.

Happy 4th!