What Freedom Means to Me

Each year we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and barbecues. My father always took great pride and care in planning for the holiday festivities. I can remember how he made a grocery list weeks in advance and how he and my mom would sit down together to plan the menu and it was always the same. Daddy would grill chicken, pork chops and ribs and Mommie would make baked beans, potato salad, and corn on the cob. There was always popsicles in the freezer for me and my brother and that continued to benefit my two kids. We always had a huge amount of Pepsi to drink and my mom made sure we were dressed in red white and blue.

When my father died two years ago, that all changed. It didn't mean the same to me. I didn't want any barbecue or to go see the fireworks. I didn't want to be involved. People who meant well told me that I should do all those things to honor my father. They were right but I just didn't feel it.

Until this year.

I'm not saying its totally there, but, there is a peek of excitement going on.

It started when I found out we would have a Freedom Celebration service at church on Sunday. I'm in the choir so, I had to put together a red,white and blue outfit and sing patriotic songs. That started a series of events. I put a patriotic design on my toes because I was determined to wear sandals, I took extra time to find jewelry that had stars on it and I really paid attention to the lyrics of the songs we were singing. Something I hadn't done in a long time.

And that's when it all hit me. I am free. Not just physically but mentally and spiritually. I live in a country that is not perfect but, I am free to worship! I am free to love! I am free to write! I am free to read the Bible, attend the church of my choice, free to shop, free to live. I am free!

Then I thought of my Daddy. A veteran of the United States Air Force. He served this country, his country, my country so I could enjoy all of these freedoms. So, this year I will celebrate the Fourth of July because I am free and I will remember all the fun I had in years past and I will do so with the same enthusiasm as my Daddy. Because now I understand why he made such a big deal out of the holiday. Because he fought to make sure we would always have a reason to celebrate.

Thank you Daddy!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!