Parades. Picnics. Cookouts. Hamburgers. Potato chips. Cold drinks. Fireworks. That is what the 4th of July meant to me for my entire life. My kids grew up celebrating our country’s independence that way as well. Even when my kids got older, we still celebrated the same way. It was an tradition that I never dreamed would end. However, it appears our 4th of July celebrations might be another victim of the pandemic.
Of course our city’s parade was cancelled last year due to the health emergency. Our city is known for our 4th of July parades, so the parade being canceled was a big deal. I totally understood that; we were in the middle of the deadliest period of the pandemic. Large cookouts weren’t held. My family grilled hamburgers and steaks; we had a nice day, but it felt like any other summer day. Not 4th of July-ish.
This year the 4th of July is even more unlike any other, at least for me. Again there is no parade, and it turns out I’m not even sad about it. The thought of lining the streets with thousands of other people just doesn’t seem appealing. Plus, I’ll be spending the day without my kids. My son now lives in Indianapolis, so he will not be here and I will miss him. My daughter is hanging out with her husband all day- well, I totally understand that. I am going be alone all day, if you don’t count my daughter’s dog whom I am protecting from the firework noise. Don’t feel bad for me- I have a list of things I need to get done. I’m looking forward to leisurely taking care of that list. The only person I will need to please is me. This 4th of July I will celebrate my independence also.
I really hope my city’s parade returns next year; and if it does, I am sure I will attend. My life has changed in so many ways in the last year and a half. I’ve let go of many traditions and parts of my life that years ago I thought were the most important things and people in my life. When I look ahead to future 4th of July’s, I picture myself on the parade route holding a grandchild (or two!), waving at the firemen, and being amazed at the dancing horses- my absolute favorite part of the parade. I can’t wait!
Happy 4th of July!
