When I was a kid, I grew up on one of the best lakes ever, Gun Lake. It filled the long summer days of boredom up with swimming, boating, skin burning, fishing, and wonderful memories.
One of my favorite traditions was going to my grandma's house on the fourth of July for a family gathering of potato salad, swimming, watermelon, swimming, hot dogs, swimming, grape koolaid, swimming, fireworks, swimming, smores and more swimming.
As the sun started to desend from the summer sky, we would load up in Grandma's boat to head out on the lake to watch the fireworks. Every year, without fail, the lake was covered in gathering boats to watch the awaiting light show. Everytime an explosive went off that we liked, we would honk the high pitched boat horn to show our approval. Ooohs and aaahs mixed with boat horns could be heard from across the lake of fellow celebrators doing the same thing.
Last night, as I met an old friend at his mom's house on Gun Lake, I was brought back to those times of care free days and long, sweet, summer nights.
Times have changed since when I was a kid. Grandma sold her house. I no longer live on the lake. And my summer days are filled with work both at the office and at home.
But it's within those changes that I have learned to appreciate what I had as a child, and what I can now give to my kids. We may not have eaten potato salad with family or took a boat ride to watch the fireworks, but we were there, on the sidelines, with friends and each other, watching the lightshow together.
Smelling the sulfer together.
And celebrating Independance Day together, as it should be.
May you take some time during this busy weekend and slow down.
Enjoy the gifts of your family.
Celebrate your Independance.
And Hug a Hero.
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