Barbara J. Hamby

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Independence Day, 2005

NOTE: We had a power failure just as I posted this last night. Apparently I didn’t click fast enough. I just discovered it wasn’t posted, so here it is:

Today was a lovely Independence Day, but I have to take a moment to think about those who aren’t free to spend such a day with their families. May it not always be so for them.

My daughter and son-in-law came over and swam with me, and she beat us at Scrabble before they went on to a barbecue with friends.

My son reminded me by email that, on this date, nineteen years ago, he left the Marine Corps after completing his enlistment. He definitely considers it Independence Day.

Al and I watched fireworks this evening, from the street a couple of blocks away, with a group of our neighbors. Instead of just one show, they seemed to be going off all around us, so we were twisting our heads. At least, as moving targets, we were less accessible to the mosquitoes. I’m grateful to feel safe sitting in the street and listening to devices that aren’t bombs or grenades, but offer colorful displays