The Fourth of July weekend this year seemed to start on an ominous note. I have been alone now for over 15 years. It is a state of existence I have learned to both endure and enjoy. For reasons I cannot pinpoint, today my quiet was annoyingly disturbing, the silence deafening. I longed for barbeque conversations, the rush of party preparation, and the anticipation of celebrating the birth of this country with family, friends, and loved ones. I can still remember laying on a blanket in the outfield of my local baseball park and feeling the launch of firework canisters rattle the ground beneath me. Watching fireworks erupt directly overhead takes your breath away as colorful starbursts completely fill the night sky. It was thrilling.
Today, however, the mere thought of battling the crowds is almost nauseating. Age is a strange bedfellow; it bestows boundless freedom of thought yet seems to limit the mind in ways I never imagined. So, I thought the best way to survive this holiday was to lay low and ignore the sad feelings. And then I opened the statistics on my blog page. It is said that every time a door is shut, a window opens, right? Just as an uncharacteristic sadness enveloped my heart, I learn that I surpassed 1,000 followers on my blog. One. Thousand. Followers. Actually - 1,002. I realize this does not make me an internet sensation by any definition, and I am a far cry from being a social influencer, but it does validate that my voice has worth. Isn’t that an accomplishment of a lifetime? It is to me! High fives all around, my dear readers. In less than nine months I have forged a fleeting thought into a passionate path. And I owe it all to YOU. So, today wave our beautiful flag, stand proud as an American, and pause momentarily to remember that freedom is not free. Today is not just about cookouts, parties, and fireworks. It is the pledge of this nation that “all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Honor our Founding Fathers with both thoughtful reverence and rousing revelry. Oh, what a day of celebrations! Happy Fourth of July to all of you. Happy Follower Milestone to me. I raise a glass of cheer to us all!
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2 Comments
Terry
7/6/2021 09:07:55 am
Yes, the 4th has slways been my second favotite holiday(Thanksgiving is first). Also having served 24 years in the military doing what I could yo protect the country sort makes this day special. Although the virus scare has subsided I celebrated my making a new dish called Shouku chicken over rice. Not a traditional dish, but it was really good. God bless America and may he shine his countenance upon us all.
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Jacque Stratman
7/6/2021 10:12:39 am
Thank you for your service, Terry! And hey, traditions are often made at home. I'm glad you started a new tradition of your own!
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AuthorJacque Jarrett Stratman |