Monday, June 27, 2016

A Good Memory - The Fourth


 

 by Fran McNabb

Next weekend is Independence Day weekend. July 4th. For most people the holiday means vacations, picnics, boating, and fireworks displays in honor of our country’s birthday. That day means the same to me but it also has much more meaning filled with nostalgia and emotions.

When I was a child (many, many years ago), my family lived about two blocks off front beach on the Gulf Coast. Fourth of July was a wonderful holiday for us children. Families would walk
together to the beachfront, sit along the seawall and watch the fireworks shot from the island right across the channel. I was always in awe of the displays, but again, as a child, my biggest concern was playing in the sand and having a good time with the other children.

Today I look back at those days and realize how wonderful they were. Times were simpler. Lives were more intertwined with other people in our small community. We didn’t live in an exclusive part of town. Most of our neighbors were hard-working laborers in jobs connected with the seafood industry. Mine were as well. We weren’t rich, but we didn’t know it.

The Fourth also meant another thing to our family. It was my only brother’s birthday. Sometimes during the day we would have a party for him with a cake baked in Mom’s small kitchen. That evening as we walked down to the beach I’d always have to listen to him tell everyone it was his birthday and the fireworks were for him. I’d argue and say they weren’t and sometimes we’d end up exchanging a few brotherly-sisterly knocks.

My brother is no longer with us and it’s on days like the Fourth that his memories come rushing back to me. We had some wonderful times together and I love reliving them in my mind. Like all people who have lost loved ones, we long for one more moment with them. Everyone has his own days that those memories are strongest. Mine is the Fourth of July.

Enjoy the fireworks, remember the meaning of our country behind the Fourth, but most importantly enjoy the friends and family you share the day with. They are what makes our special days “special.”

Happy Fourth of July to all of you (next weekend).
 
FRAN MCNABB lives along the Gulf Coast and loves the special events and activities unique to the coastline. She uses this setting in many of her sweet romances. Check her out at  www.FranMcNabb.com  or at mcnabbf@bellsouth.net

7 comments:

  1. Hi Fran--
    Happy Fourth to you, too! Your childhood memories are lovely and I'm hoping you have a wonderful time with loved ones this holiday.
    Victoria--

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    1. Thanks for stopping in, Victoria, and thanks for the retweet. Happy 4th to you as well.

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  2. I echo Victoria's wish for a Happy Fourth. Enjoy the day and your memories. My youngest son's birthday is July 7 and my husband's is July 12, so we always have a triple celebration for the holiday.

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    1. Sandy, your 4th is a busy one with those two birthdays. Enjoy! And, thanks for stopping in.

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  3. Nanny-well that person you mention, you know the one with the birthday is on the 4th, well that is my father :). I too sometimes wish I had one more moment with him, especially listening to his many stories he would tell so good with much passion. He could tell them for as long as you wanted to hear them. I know he's watching over us with maw maw & paw paw in heaven. I fee comfort in one day knowing we will be there with them in everlasting life next to Jesus in heaven! God bless our country and to our families that we may be protected with gods peer and given his grace. Love you aunt Fran ;)

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    1. Oh, Matt, I too know our love ones are watching over us and that we'll be with all of the one day. Yes, your dad could tell stories for hours. Wish we could hear one now. Love you.

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  4. A touching post, Fran. Thank you for sharing ... and happy 4th!

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