The Big Event

The AC running full-tilt and shades drawn, we’d stayed inside all day. Movies, Tour de France – anything to entertain that didn’t take us out into the oppressive temperatures. I’d prepared my youngest telling her not to expect us to venture out when the gates opened at 4 p.m., knowing it’d still be too hot and the time too long until the big event commenced.

Finally, at 7 p.m. we deemed it safe to risk it. Off we set on our annual excursion. Not taking anything that we didn’t absolutely need, we carried only blankets to sit on and money (of course!). Surprisingly, parking was available up close. “Huh,” I thought: “Others must be doing the same as us this year and waiting as long as possible to exit the coolness of their dens.” We joined the trek of locals hauling coolers, chairs, blankets, etc., and made our way out onto the tree-less landscape that normally would be the last place we’d want to spend our Sunday evening.

As we walked along, the recognition of friends and neighbors began to lighten the mood. And then, the sun went behind the clouds. And…was that a breeze? Yes! Maybe this isn’t going to be all that bad. Among familiar faces and welcoming smiles we spread our blankets. “Hey, how are you?”’ “Yea, good to see you guys.” It didn’t take my teenager long to find her way off and about with friends.

The music was loud as everyone began to settle in and make the environmental adjustment. Confession: Sometimes, I don’t do transition well. The cool quietness of home was making this attack to my senses seem like more that it truly was I’m sure…It just takes me a few minutes, but pretty soon even I begin to relax.

Around us conversational circles were erected then modified to accommodate new arrivals as families and friends came together to eat, drink, socialize and enjoy this once a year event. Our youngest hooked up with friends from our swim team (we had planned to meet and sit in the same area), and they began to chase each other in and out and around our area. We are so thankful for our association with this group. Summer-swim-team relationships more resemble that of cousins during the season. It’s awesome. Our girls love it. The Eckards brought some competition with a bean-bag toss of some sort (Love them!). Cards were being played, pictures taken, and the Macarena and YMCA danced all around. 

It was within this atmosphere we passed the hours until the “big event." As the sun began to set, kids who had been wandering around with friends, made their way back to family blankets and the smell of bug spray wafted on the breeze. The music took on a more patriot feel, and I began to reflect on the awesomeness of where we live. The fact that we’d talked to both our sons just hours before didn’t make me miss them less. One in Afghanistan and one in California with hopes of going to Afghanistan brought home the reality of just what it takes to make this type of gathering possible.

Freedom…Thank you, God.

And then, the fireworks began. For some reason, there was no background music playing this year, and at first I missed it. But I began to listen to those around me; “Ahhh”, “Ohhhh”, some genuine exclamations, some laced with goofiness and giggles, all surrounded by the security of friends and family laughing, having fun, being themselves with those most dear to them.

Suddenly, our trek into the heat was good. The participation in community had made it worth it. Yea, it was just fireworks…again. But, somehow, it seemed like more.