The Big Gulp* and I had a pretty mellow day. Slept late... realized we had nothing for breakfast about 11... went out and got groceries... came home and had lunch. Went to the pool for a couple hours... ate supper.
Then we planned to go to Stone Mountain park for the Laser Light Show with Special Memorial Day... extras.
Of course it was raining up to about the time we were to leave. But the showers passed and by the time we got to the big lawn to watch the show, the stars were even out.
They had music blasting and The Big Gulp were dancing and having a grand time. The lights went out and the show began.
With fireworks.
2 of those bright bright spot ones that make the REALLY loud bang.
All I associate with that sound is happiness. 4th of July's spent with my mom and grandma watching the fireworks as we ate our popcorn. The sign of the end of the day at Sea World, standing shoulder to shoulder and front to back in a throng of people that all smell strongly of sunscreen and faintly of fish.
But for the veterans in the crowd... and for people in a great many nations in our world, that sound would be the sound of terror. Of violence. Of death.
Now, I'm not ignoring those in our country who have been victims of violent attacks, but I think for the vast majority of Americans, their thoughts upon hearing that sound would be the same as mine.
Tears poured down my cheeks. The overwhelming thankfulness that because of the sacrifice of over a million men and women, that sound doesn't strike fear into my heart, it sparks joy. Our language does not contain the proper words to express my gratitude.
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*The Big Gulp - because they are now 7 and 11, The Ladies will be referred to as "The Big Gulp" until December. (For those of you without prior knowledge of 7/11's, their signature big drink is called "The Big Gulp")
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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7 comments:
I agree. There aren't words that sum up how I feel either.
(The Big Gulp! Love it!)
Oh...I miss Stone Mountain. We used to go hiking out there when I was a kid. It's funny but I don't recall the light show. How long have they been doing that?
Re. how we feel when hearing big booms from fireworks. I agree with you completely. I almost always cry when I attend a firework show. They always bring on an overwhelming feeling of thanks and pride in my country and those that keep us safe.
Stone Mountain is such fun; I love going there. And I couldn't agree more with your post. I have no words...
I'm with you; fireworks bring back so many memories, and I still love watching them. I never even thought about how that sound could be fearful...thank you for that perspective.
I would've been crying right there next to you...we are so very blessed to be a citizen of this country, where so many men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
That's a good point; I never thought of it (the sounds) that way. That's really sad when you think about it. Thanks.
No one does fireworks here anymore for Memorial Day. Boo.
I LURVE their new nickname...and I have on occasion enjoyed a Big Gulp or two.
That's a good point
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