Monday, July 7, 2008

Flag-Wavin' Patriotic Nephew of My Uncle Sam

Bonus points to you if you recognize the artist who sings the words in my post title today. (It's Johnny Cash, by the way...my dad's favorite!).


The 4th of July is a time full of tradition for my extended family. For years, my siblings and I have spent the holiday at my dad's along with his wife and their children. After my parents divorced, my dad remarried nearly 25 years ago. So, I have my older brother and sister (we call ourselves the First Litter) along with my four younger siblings (known as the Second Litter). We're an interesting bunch and tend to confuse people who aren't familiar with our family dynamics. But, hey. It works for us! Despite my dad's death two years ago, we've held on to our tradition to gather on the 4th -- his favorite holiday. (Mostly because of the fireworks. He was a pryo from way back.) Our celebration consists of attending the local parade, lighting lots of fireworks, cooking hamburgers and hot dogs on "The George" (George Foreman grill -- my dad loved it!) and spending the hot afternoon at the movie theater. We also just like hanging out together laughing and talking. This year, we also had fun playing Rock Band -- although the teenagers got a little frustrated with us adults who aren't as expert as they are at video games. But I must say I was an awesome singer, consistently scoring in the 90s! You should hear my rendition of Should I Stay or Should I Go. (The teenagers probably thought I should go....)


In the time since my dad's passing, our 4th of July get-together also includes a trip to the cemetery to visit his grave and pay our respects....which in my dad's case includes lighting a few fireworks in his honor.


This is my little brother Luke at my dad's grave.


Here's to you, Daddy. We love you.



18 comments:

Reds said...

Such a touching post - so nice that you still spend the 4th all together! What a beautiful tribute to your dad!

April said...

that such a nice post..great pictures too!!

Anonymous said...

What a great post...love the photos that go with it too!
Cari

Unknown said...

Touching but such a great yearly tradition. We also visited 2 cemetaries this weekend. I'm working on my photos now.

Sharon said...

I love those kind of traditions, and the pix are great. What a nice tribute to your Dad.

Amy said...

Very very sweet...I really like that second shot.

amazing grace said...

sweet journaling----what a precious post!

pat said...

What a sweet day to honor your dad on his favorite day!

Lori said...

What a wonderful way to honor your dad. I've got tears in my eyes!

It's These Little Moments said...

what a great day for remembrance.

Mandy said...

This is a beautiful post about family and remembrance. Really lovely.

Liz said...

Margaret that is such a lovely way to celebrate the 4th and remember your Dad. I am sure he is happy to see his family all together enjoying his favorite things each year.
Your photos had me tearing up, so sweet.

Jason said...

WOW what a great post. Those pictures could not be any better!!!

Mom2Drew said...

FULL of emotion! What a beautiful post.

Debbi said...

Very touching post - really like the emotion in the 2nd picture.

Jess said...

I love your 4th traditions! I am so sorry about your dad. That is such a lovely way to honor him, doing what he loved. {{{hugs}}}

BizEMommaK said...

Awww, this is so sweet, I'm very touch.

AWESOME POST! Love it!

Shawna (shawkrem)

Amy said...

What sweet journaling and photos!