I JUST CAME BACK up to the house after watching fireworks over the river–the rest of our family and friends are still down at the banks, fishing, and as I sit up here on the porch, watching and listening, I realize how very much I have to be thankful for this 4th of July.
Up here on the porch, cutting watermelon, the sweet juicy smell of the red fruit wafts on the sound of laughter ringing over the water. Chap’s sister and brother are sitting in lawn chairs, telling stories on each other, and stories of grandfathers and grandmothers who are gone, but never far away.
And I think about the freedom it takes to have such moments, the freedom to laugh and fish and tell stories, and eat watermelon by the river.
I am thankful for new friends
And old ones
And family
And happy dogs
And peaceful cats
And above all, Freedom, and those who fight for it
May God bless you and yours this 4th of July, and may God bless America.