Independence Day

Happy July 4th to everyone!! Today is a very special day in that it should remind us of the sacrifices many have made so that we can be the great and free country that we are. We need to get on our knees and thank GOD that we have the opportunity to live in such a country. One where we can believe in GOD, where we can work where we want, live where we want, love who we want and be what we want. We are so fortunate, and many take these freedoms for granted. So, if you see a soldier, thank them for all that they do to keep us free. Keep our servicemen and women in your prayers and on your minds. Every day.

Tonight I visited with old friends and made a few new ones. I watched Tyler and MacKenzie perform at the Freedom Festival with their summer show choir group. Then, as the sun disappeared the fireworks began. I watched each blast and heard each booming rocket like I do every year - with awe. Tyler hung out across the way and watched with his friends - its ok - he's getting too cool to hang with his mom. Mac sat at my feet on the blanket I brought. She lie on her back, staring up at the spectacle and never stopped smiling. The music played along with the display - all the patriotic tunes we know and love. And as always, I was moved. Moved because we celebrate our freedom so openly. Moved because I get to be here just one more year with my children. Yet sad, because Larry couldn't be with us this time. Back surgery last week kept him home in the air-conditioning. Poor baby - NOT! Well, it still wasn't the same without him. I sent him a text message while I sat there, "I miss u," it read. He sent one back, "I miss u more." Well, I doubt that, but it was sweet nonetheless.

We just celebrated our 5th anniversary. I mentioned that to someone tonight and they said that they couldn't believe that it had only been 5 years. They thought that we had been together much longer. Now, I'm not sure if that was meant as a compliment (ie: "You look so comfortable together!") or as a shock (ie: "You look like you have been together forever - meaning you already banter like a couple that has been together for years!"). Either way, its only been 5 years. I think that it surprises people because we are very comfortable together. I would hope so, after all, I have known Larry for more than 20 years. Someday, I'll put the story to paper. Not yet though. I'm not ready to come out and tell the world all our stories.

I saw a good friend of mine tonight at the Freedom Festival. It is someone that I haven't seen for a long time, but when we do see each other its like we just pick up where we last left off, and like no time has passed. I love her dearly. She has a son who just turned 18 and graduated from high school, and a daughter who will be a sophomore this year. She is struggling with the son - he is exercising his 18 year old wings, and trying to be "a man" by being mean to his mother. I hope he comes around. She loves him so much and just doesn't want him to get hurt. As for the daughter - what a sweetheart. I remember when she was younger - maybe 11 or so. She could be such a little pain in the ... well, you know. But she is growing into a beautiful young woman. I hope that uses that beauty for good and not evil, and I hope that she stays as loving and kind as she is right now. My daughter really looks up to her.

One of the kids' friends, Amanda, is spending the next couple of days with us while her mom is out of town. Amanda is like a big sister to Mac and, well, the jury is still out on her relationship with Tyler. She refers to him as her "brother," but I can't help but think she was a little jealous that he was spending time with my friend's daughter (the 15 year old I mentioned in the last paragraph). She kept asking why she was all up in his face, whispering to him, etc. I asked her if she was jealous...she said no, that she was just making sure that Tyler was ok. She wanted to protect him. Hmmmmm. Interesting. Amanda's mom and I are best friends. I can't imagine my life without her in it. She is my rock. She is my leaning post. She is the one I go to when I can't go to anyone else....the one I tell all my secrets to. I absolutely do not know what I would do without her. I hope she knows that. Amanda said that she is happy that her mom and I are friends because that means she gets to spend more time with Tyler and MacKenzie. Amanda is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. If Tyler has friends like her throughout his life, he is going to have a hard time choosing a wife.

So, here I am. 2 strawberry smoothies later, at the keyboard, detailing my evening and writing mushy things about my friends. I'm taking stock in my freedom. I'm being thankful. I'm saying my prayers and thanking GOD once again for allowing me to live in a free country.

Count your blessings everyday. Kiss your children. Tell the ones that mean the most to you that you love them. Don't take anything or anyone for granted.

Happy Independence Day.