4th of July

I have a nephew that was born on the 4th of July. For the longest time I used to tell that all those fireworks were for him. He's our firecracker baby, though not so much anymore. A couple of years ago he realized that those nighttime explosions held another meaning. He wasn't sad or even mad at me for telling him tales. Once he knew the meaning, he enjoyed them even more.

Last Easter vacation, while visiting Washington D.C., we took a 16 hour -drink from a fire hose- tour. We saw so much in such a relatively short amount of time that it was more mentally exhausting than physically. It was that trip and tour that sparked many a conversation about 'layers'.

At the Jefferson Memorial, I stood there reading all the inscriptions with jaw dropped and mind spinning but couldn't help but notice most of the kids from various class trips sitting on the steps texting. It really bothered me that they were more interested in chatting with friends than immersing themselves in their surrounds and getting a peak at the history of our country. I finally began to understand while having lunch at the Pentagon Mall. Layers.

As a child, the 4th of July is about summer vacation, BBQs, staying up late, and fireworks. As we age, learn, and experience life we add layers of complexity to almost all we observe. Our 20's offered more understanding than our teens but not as much as our 30's. It's the continuing evolution of self that allows and even demands how we perceive the world around us.

I try and imagine what it would have been like on that Thursday, July 4th, in 1776, long before holiday weekends, BBQs, and fireworks. Brilliant men risking everything to protect and create an idea they so strongly believe in. It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or Republican, first and foremost we are Americans. And we're now carrying the torch they lit 234 years ago. We are duty bound to uphold and protect all that was given... that's what the 4th of July means to me.

I can't fault the children for not appreciating something they can't possibly see. Their eyes will open soon enough. No, it's far better to enjoy our own experience and to be continually amazed by our own layers.

From our families to yours, may you have a safe and fabulous 4th of July.

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