My Memories of the 4th

When I was a little girl, I thought it was the greatest thing ever. The whole world, or at least everyone in my town, and to a small child that's the same thing, celebrated my daddy's birthday. We went to the lake every year, and it was always more crowded that day than any other time. At night, every where I looked in the night sky, I saw fire works. As I got older and paid more attention to different things on the T.V., I realized the whole country really did celebrate my daddy's birthday. There were fireworks every where. The men on the news even talked about it. I felt so special to have a daddy that was so important, the whole country celebrated with us.

In case you haven't guessed it, my dad was born on July 4th. He's a true Yankee Doodle Dandy. As American as apple pie and proud of it.

Every year, my family would head out to the lake early in the morning. My mom always wanted to get a good table. When my sister and I were little, mom wanted a table close to the water so she could keep an eye on us while we were swimming. Then as we grew older, she changed to a table under the trees for shade.

We would start setting up while we waited for friends to join us in this annual event. As the years went by and children grew up, friends that had been so close, became the friends we only saw on this day. It was as if no matter how our lives changed and separated with the years, this special day always brought us back together.

I can still taste the good food that was gathered there. My mom always brought plenty of fried chicken. A good southern staple at every event where food is eaten outside. And potato salad, deviled eggs, black olives, pickles. Yum! There was other food as well, but you know kids. Only remembering the stuff we like best. And then there was dessert. One of my parents' friends always brought brownies. A giant batch. They never lasted long. And now so many years later, we still talk about those brownies.