The fourth of July is a special day. Those of us blessed to have been born in the United States have much to celebrate on that day. I have even more.
It always brings a smile to my face when I think that my parents chose this day to be married. How romantic; kissing the bride while fireworks burst in the sky! For 45 years, the fourth was a day of celebration for my family.
What a surprise that God chose this particular day to take my dad from this earth. My mom had gone almost two years before him, and he was lost without her. As he lay in his hospital bed, knowing the end was near, he smiled and said “ I can’t wait to see your mother again! God is so good to bring us back together on our anniversary.” Through the tears and sobs, my family felt the bittersweet pang of saying goodbye to dad, and rejoiced with him that he would soon see Jesus..and mom!
Life changed in so many ways after dad was gone. Although I was 30 when he died, I still felt like an orphan. Fourth of July was a little more difficult to celebrate. It was a joy to picture mom and dad dancing together again, but I missed them terribly.
Life went on, the way it does even at times when you wish it wouldn’t. Our family continued to change and grow, and the fourth of July retained it’s significant memories.
What a surprise that God would choose this day to bring my beautiful great-niece into the world! With His characteristic sweetness, He has truly given us a reason to celebrate the fourth of July again.
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Diane, it sounds like your parents shared a very special relationship. What a blessing!
I am shaking my head and smiling at the goodness of God! Thank you for sharing this with us!
