Freedom

          

 Freedom

                                                   By Judy

The town I live in celebrates the 4^th of July with a fireworks display at the park. I grew up about forty minutes from this town, and a couple of times during my childhood, my family made the trip to watch the fireworks display. My dad sat on the hood of our car with my brothers and me. A loud boom signaled the beginning of the show, and I covered my ears. The sky glowed red, white and blue as fireworks burst into the sky. I did not understand the reason for the fireworks nor appreciate the fact the people around me and myself were celebrating freedom.

My husband and I took our children to that same park and watched the fireworks when our children were young.  A picnic with close friends and their children preceded the fireworks. We sat in lawn chairs or on blankets and protected little ears from the loud booms. Each new big bang of bright, rainbow colors trailing silver and gold streams was declared our favorite. After the park display, our children shot off their own stash of fireworks. I took these nights of fun and fellowship for granted. My days were filled with work, cooking, laundry, ball games, swim meets, and multitudes of other activities. It was difficult to imagine our children grown. I could not imagine an America that was not free.

The day arrived, though, when our children were grown and had their own celebrations with their friends. Some years a child or grandchild joined us, but other times it was just we four adults. We still ooed and awed as the sky changed colors and proclaimed each grand finale the best one ever. I no longer took for granted my children and friends. Each child, grandchild, and friend was a blessing to me. I no longer took for granted America’s freedom either. I knew that many brave men and women fought for and earned its freedom.    

Another 4^th of July is upon us, and we will again celebrate with our friends, and if we’re lucky, perhaps a grandchild or two will join us. I like to hear the blend of their young voices with our older voices as we proclaim “that’s my favorite.” Our nation’s freedom is threatened this year, and I now can imagine an America that is not free. As I celebrate America’s freedom and honor those who founded our country, I pray America will always be “the land of the free and of the brave.”