For the fourth of July, we went to a breakfast at Larissa's church building. It was lovely! Then, we went to a lackluster parade (with no candy!! the shame!) followed by a delicious barbecue and our own personal fireworks. That was incredible! My children were in heaven! Finally, as the sky went dark, we waited for the fireworks. Because personal fireworks are legal there, it was hard to decide if we had seen the show or not... we were watching from Larissa's balcony... heaven! We finally came to terms with the notion that the fireworks either weren't very spectacular or couldn't be seen from our vantage point and put the kids to bed. Within minutes, the real (and quite spectacular) show began. We pulled our exhausted kids out of bed and watched a wonderful show.
We had a wonderful time, and I'm so grateful for Larissa and Nathan's hospitality... but it was still incredibly sad. I hope that the 4th won't always feel so very bitter sweet. It was somewhat suffocating to remember that only a year earlier we went to the fireworks (mom home alone) while dad laid in a coma, hours from his final breath. In every moment it was challenging not to think, dad would love (fill in the blank), or dad would be doing (fill in the blank). When it's all said and done, I think that's probably better. Imagine not having a loving enough relationship to know or think those thoughts. Really, we are so blessed. Still, it was hard not to feel the pangs of loss.
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