We just spent a great weekend with Matthew, Cassy, Nicholas and Amanda in Yarmouth...actually, we spent most of it in Freeport. Since July 4th fell on a Tuesday this year, the festivities were extended through the following weekend (this weekend). We had so much fun! The main street was blocked off and there were vendors set up all along the street selling all sorts of food and crafts. And the stores had some great sales as well. There were also 2 stages offering entertainment throughout the day..singing and acts for kids. We were especially excited that Rick Charette was performing...the boys grew up listening to his cassette. Well, ok, maybe I was more excited about them seeing him then they actually were...I admit it!!
The weather was overcast all morning, which was quite nice considering it was very hot and humid. But the sun gave way in the afternoon, not really bothering anyone, because there were plenty of cold drinks and fun around us. In the evening there was a free concert with pop singer Chris Issak. He was great, the music was great and the place was absolutely packed...adding to all the excitement.
Almost immediately following the concert the fireworks started...and it was an amazing show!!
It was such a fun filled day, the weather was perfect, we were with our boys (and their sweet wives), but it was as I sat, watching the fireworks, listening to some patriotic songs that I was overwhelmed by the whole experience.
We were surrounded by families and lots and lots of children and dogs. And as I watched the beautiful colors in the sky I was reminded how very blessed we are.
life is hard. times are tough. people are scared.
but in the middle of all of that....for just one day, for just a few hours we can relax, enjoy life, laugh, smile at each other as well as strangers because
life is great. times are fun. people are hopeful.
And we are all in this journey of life together, trying to make it a good life, trying to find our way..doing our best to make it to the end in one piece and have as little in the way of regrets as possible. and of course we just want to live a life that is pleasing to God. God has been good to us!
We live in the greatest country in the world, with the greatest of opportunities available, in spite of all the problems, we have so much to be thankful for.
I thought of my two sons sitting next to me. I want them to live life to the fullest, to never take for granted that we have the freedom to go to such a celebration with no fear, that we can and should always smile at those around us and remember that we are all in this together, that we all have the same struggles, fears and joys...just doing life the best we can, and we have so much more in common than we could ever imagine.
