Times Change

It's July 5 here, and I brought our youngest to the fireworks. Neither of us could really enjoy it. There were thousands of people there, a lot of beer, soda, fried and greasy foods, and much to buy. Of course, I didn't go prepared to purchase $50 worth of items to last us through the fireworks we wanted to see. And so we waited and when they started, I found myself wondering what we'd waited for.

Several days ago a neighbor had some fireworks, and we all sat in another neighbor's yard at the end of the block watching these fireworks. The kids had a blast, my son discovered he loves fireworks, and wanted to see more.

The fireworks were wonderful, bigger and better, but something was missing. Waiting to leave my parking spot I thought about past fireworks displays I'd enjoyed. There were no carnival rides there, no greasy food, no beer or soda. We brought our own drinks (usually water), we sat together in a comfortable area, and chatted with friends and family. We may have had to wait, but it wasn't long, and we were pretty comfortable wherever we were.

It isn't that I'm against the rest of the fun. Nearly everyone there seemed to enjoy at least some part of the time. I just don't want to have to be there. I like watching fireworks, whenever they are. But I find I like the peace of family time, the quiet of the life I live now with my family. I don't need a band and huge crowds and carnival rides and foods. Apparently neither does my son, who waited eagerly for them to start. But the crowds stirred his desire to run wild; the smell of food left him hungry even after he'd already eaten; the carnival rides and glowing necklaces distracted him. But after the fireworks display started, he was ready to go. We waited til they were about half-way through, then we left. Not to get out of the parking lot and on the road quicker, but because watching the fireworks wasn't fun. He'd rather be down the street with the neighbor kids and the licensed "fireworks guy" who taught everyone's kids about fireworks, about safety, and the meaning of neighborhood fun.

Today I'm contemplating how these wildly money-oriented events affect the wellness of our family and of our community. And I'm glad we have a neighborhood fireworks guy (Adrian) to encourage smaller "shows" where everyone can enjoy themselves and meet their neighbors.