Be Proud To Call Her Your Home

Fourth of July is such a fun holiday, filled with picnics in the park or at the beach, swimming, games, food and, finally, fireworks. After cleaning up the leftovers, everyone packs into the car to go watch the fireworks display at the local park or beach. Who could ask for a better summertime treat then the Fourth of July? It is always a great holiday to get together with family and friends, but this year’s celebration may be different than normal. Because of all that has been happening, we must heed the health rules of our community. Slowly, the local governments are beginning to relax the distancing rules and bring the lockdowns to an end, but we all still need to be careful. So, as we look forward to the holiday, if there is a spike in the virus cases, set aside a box with what-nots in it, just in case, to make it a fun time for the children. What are what-nots? They are any random fun items used to fill the box. For example: sidewalk chalk, crayons, children’s paint, colored pencils, paint brushes, yarn, heavy thread, buttons, construction paper, and throw in a few empty toilet paper or towel rolls. Go through your junk drawers and see what else you can find. Do not forget children’s glue, scissors and tape. Also, when you go to the store, pick up some little American flags and some poppers. In case fireworks are canceled, the box of poppers will come in handy (they have a string that you pull, then it pops, and out comes confetti). They are inexpensive and a great substitute for fireworks. Yes, it has been a long road, and to have all been cooped-up together, we tend to get on each other’s nerves. But, if you take the time to tell them a short story about the holiday and then give them the box to make something for the after dinner parade, you will be surprised how far their imagination will stretch. Just leave them to their own devices, and it can fill up most of the afternoon. But I truly hope that the quarantine rules are relaxed to the point where we are able to have that old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration – complete with fireworks! No matter what the future brings, have a good time celebrating our country and what it stands for throughout the world. We have weathered a long and hard storm, but remember, we are still in the “Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.” God Bless America. Be proud to call her your home.