Independence Day

Every year for the past 5 or so years, my very close friends in Buena Park, California have hosted a 4th of July party. There are few cities left in Southern California that still allow fireworks and Buena Park is one of them.  So 25+ people–friends, relatives, strangers, acquaintances–all connected in one way or another converge on Karen and Gary’s house. We all bring something to eat, the hosts grill hot dogs and provide liquid refreshments, and we reconnect with one another as we wait for the sun to set.  Many of the guests bring fireworks and they are all piled up near the sidewalk by the street just waiting for their part in the evening festivities to begin.

Once a year we all witness the evidence of lives lived throughout the year. The children are several inches taller, some of their voices have changed. Some of them have gotten married and are starting traditions of their own. Some of us have become grandparents, lost weight, battled cancer.  And on this night we are very important to each other.  We are reminded of how much we experienced together and how much we meant to each other before life forced our separation and took us away.

Even though America’s independence becomes more precious to me every year, this night (as long as we’ve been going to Gary and Karen’s) has never been about the fireworks. It’s about reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances.  It’s about things that stay the same and things that change. It’s about taking time out of the busyness of our lives and spending time with friends we don’t ever want to forget.  And it’s about something as crucial to our existence as air itself. Relationships.

I love spending 4th of July in Buena Park. Where is your favorite place to spend 4th of July?