Fond Fourth of July Memories

Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July is a bittersweet day for me because it was one of my favorite holidays to spend with my dad growing up and is full of so many memories. Our city put on one of the best celebrations in the Midwest, which included a three-hour parade and lakefront fireworks display. Each year, we’d wake up early to head to the Main Street home of a family friend to indulge in donuts and a BBQ while watching the floats pass by. My dad would mingle and laugh with friends, usually with a cigar hanging out of his mouth and his favorite baseball cap. He’d also give my brother and me a couple dollars to buy “poppers” from the street vendors and took interest in the floats we pointed out.  After the parade, we’d usually head back to our house and play in the backyard. He would jump right in with us to play catch, fill up our mini pool or push us on the swings. Later that night, we’d travel back downtown and gather with friends to watch the fireworks display and visit the custard shop on the way home. As a kid and even a young adult, there was little that could beat this mid-summer fun.

I’ll also carry with me the memory of the first time my dad met my now husband – which was at my family home on July 4, 2008. Independence Day of 2011 was the second to last time I would see my dad alive. He and my mom joined us to visit my husband’s family in Michigan, spending the weekend at the spot where we had married just one month prior. Even then, I would have never suspected that suicide was on his mind. His usual needless worries were present – but nothing beyond the usual. He was still engaged and active in our celebration – even riding a moped and displaying a couple hundred dollars’ worth of “professional” fireworks like he did for our wedding. (His show was so impressive, it drew local law enforcement!)

This year, with no plans or parade to attend, I find myself looking back and reminiscing about the happy times we used to have ringing in July 4 together. I’m thankful for the traditions he established and the efforts he made to ensure we made the most of each moment together as a family. What I would give to experience that once again! Holidays like this sometimes feel like they’ve lost that special, nostalgic innocence – especially since my dad was the at root of them. I guess that’s all part of growing up and a gentle reminder that I should start thinking about creating my own new traditions.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Image courtesy of Mount Pleasant Patch.

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Holiday Wishes from Becky and Jessica A Month full of Memories of My Dad Getting Through the Holidays After a Loss More Tips to Help with Grief during the Holidays