In the historic sense this is one of the most important days in our rich American History. Had the young founders back then not had the determination to take what they felt was theirs we wouldn’t be in the same boat we are today. Ok, Ok so I will not sit here and bore you to death with all of this historic mumbo jumbo banter. But let us be cognizant of the reason we’re going to bar-be-que2, drinking, and waiting around to see the night time explosions.
So now the real reason for this post….
This year I challenge you to enjoy yourself like you were an 8 year old child without a care in the world. While we sit in limbo with high hopes of what’s to come throw all your inhibitions and cares aside. There was a time that the shine in your eyes was much brighter than the one you’re awaiting to see in the warm summer night sky. Do you recall the built up anticipation that you felt as people were all huddled around looking up into nothingness awaiting to see what this year’s show was all about. As a child you didn’t rate or judge it, you were just happy to see it. Almost salivating at all of the mom and pop little fireworks going off around you, it became hard to contain yourself. Awaiting as to see what was in store for you perched with your head back trying to pick the exact moment when the magnificent show would begin. You countdown in your mind knowing that when you hit 1 the show will miraculously begin. Suddenly the very first loud crack comes out, the sky lights up so brightly you can feel it nearly take the breath out of all sight seers standing by motionless. You can feel the warmth on you r face as if the sun had just emerged from behind a cloud. While this teaser just makes your imagination yearn for more the entire crowd becomes silent.
Ironically the barrage of thunderous booms begin almost as if it’s unexpected. Flashes of multi colored patterns fill the sky as we all try to makes shapes out of what we see in our minds eye. Flash after flash, spark after spark they fill our internal happiness tank until it’s capped off and we think there’s no room. At this point in time we realize that our happiness tank has “no limit”. This moment of serenity which needs no explanation or questioning, you’re here and you’re ecstatic. While this goes on for quite some time, you hold each boom in your soul as if it’s the last and you’re going take all of it in not missing a beat. With each explosion you can see the red glow bounce off of everyone’s face as if in front of a giant “Eat at Joe’s” neon sign. The only audible sounds are “Oh’s” and “Ah’s”, with an occasional giggle. This moment is truly special as there are no cares no negativity no sadness, just anticipation and satisfaction. You’ll never see so many captivated people smiling in on place all for their own reasons, yet they all hold one thing in common: “We’re all here enjoying and experiencing this together”.
As the “Big Bang” of the Grand Finale approaches cheers, whistle, hoots and hollers begin to fill the air piercing through the light haze of smoke from the plethora of the previous explosions. This new found state of euphoria is untouched and can’t be disrupted as you live in complete harmony. Boom after boom, explosion after explosion, the climax of the event has truly lived up to all that you could hope for. Then suddenly as fast as it all started it ends. For a brief moment there’s silence….
Then you hear that first car start and you know the night has come full circle. At this moment, at this very exact moment, the entire mood of everyone watching changes. This is the period of reentry back into our so called life, the looming letdown and sadness starts to creep over the crowd almost like a virus. There is no quicker way to deflate an entire group of people. Even at a sporting event when the away team scores that last point to win the game, there’s always some visiting team players in the crowd that feel the jubilation of victory. You have just left the tranquil place you’ve lived in for the past 45 minutes and have succumb to the pressures and realizations of society.
This rite of passage pulls us in and forces us to immediately acknowledge the stress of 10,000 people all trying to get out of a space designed to hold 3,000. On the way home the sound of explosion have been replaced by horns honking, the explosions have been replaced by engines being revved up in frustration. But the saddest transformation has yet to be witnessed. All of the smiles and giggles just moments before are now replaced by frowns and curse words as everyone is obviously more important and intelligent than all of the other’s who are stuck in the same exact position that they are.
Sadly enough you were joking an laughing with each other now you’re experiencing road rage and wanting to get violent with the same person. While this makes no sense and can be avoided, it’s almost a necessary evil that’s inevitable….
Have a Safe, Happy, and Childish 4th of July!
