Waxing Nostalgic for America's Most Patriotic Day

July 4^th was always an exciting holiday in my family. As a young girl, a big part of that was the delicious food we were sure to have. Dad would grill hot dogs and hamburgers outside while mom made the homemade potato salad that tasted amazing every year without fail. Corn on the cob, watermelon, and baked beans added color and taste to the red and blue plastic plates that mom used because they were festive (and so that she didn't have to wash dishes!) After the meal we had dessert to look forward to. Mom would have made the classic Fourth of July cake: whip cream topping with strawberries and blueberries deftly arranged to represent our great U.S. flag. There are laws against wearing a flag as clothing, but I suppose none against consuming its image in the form of a delicious cake. And no July 4^th celebration would be complete without homemade vanilla ice cream!

We all waited with eager anticipation for the sun to go down. Then the real fun could begin. My favorite part of the holiday was the sparklers- beautiful, delicate, graceful. I would run through the yard barefooted, thinking only of my glowing stick and trying to quickly write my name and make as many heart shapes as I could before the flame fizzed out. My brother much preferred the Black Cats he and my dad would set off in the street. I always worried that they might lose some fingers, but thankfully they never did.

After we had our sparklers and Black Cats celebration, we would climb up onto the roof of our single story house, sit on the ridge, and watch the open Texas sky full of vibrant fireworks in every direction. It was such a communal experience, perched up there with the whole family. But at the same time it offered quiet reflection. I felt alone with my hopes and dreams watching those colors bursting in every direction, illuminating the night sky with their glory. I felt like I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.

As an adult I look back on my girlhood memories of July 4th, and realize why I was bursting with so much potential as I watched those fireworks. I think I knew deep within myself that I could accomplish my dreams because I was free to do so. Because of the sacrifice of so many, I have the freedom to live a good life, to pursue my dreams and to choose my own path. July 4th no longer just means delicious food and sparklers to me, it's more than that. It's celebrating the beauty of this country we live in, the courage of those who fight for it, and the freedom we have to soar.