LAY ON GROUND – LIGHT FUSE – GET AWAY

I love the 4th of July. Always have. I have such fond memories growing up celebrating Independence day. My family lived in a city that celebrated this holiday with parades and festivities several days leading up to the 4th culminating with FIREWORKS the evening of the 4th.

As a kid I can remember when the nearby firework stand would pop-up. We would ride our bikes over and pick up the multi-page flyer that advertised in big bright pictures, the assortment of fireworks for sale. We would read every inch of that flyer, multiple times, circling the items that look the coolest. I would carry that flyer around in my back pocket drooling over the various offerings and of course would spend my hard earned money on lots and lots of them.

Days leading up to the 4th were always filled with loud bangs from firecrackers, M-80’s and Cherry Bombs. I should say here that I have great parents who counseled my brother, sister and I in the proper use of fireworks and then allowed us to have fun (safely).

My parents played a big part in my enjoyment of this holiday. I got my passion for fireworks from my dad. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July also. My dad was just a big kid when it came to fireworks. He liked the loud ones, you know, M-80’s and cherry bombs. He would light those off frequently and in various places and times. In fact, my wife Diana met my dad on the evening of the 4th of July. I brought Diana over to meet my parents that evening and as I am walking her up to the house my dad was in the driveway with an M-80 in a slingshot just waiting for someone to help light it so he could fire it up in the air.

I gotta believe there are fireworks in heaven. I can’t imagine a heaven without them. And I know my dad is having a “Blast” right now. Thanks dad for all the great memories. Love you and miss you this 4th of July!