The fourth of july. What makes it different from any other day?

For me, it's the fireworks.

It's not so much the barbeque (or this year, cooking turkey dogs over a not-so-campfire) or the swimming, or anything like that. Because that isn't constant.
Some years, we would have a big bash. Maybe it was just when I was ten. That year was great. All my relatives came over and we had so much fun. We had a pool party, and played volleyball and badminton, we have a ton of food at our cookout, even a flag cake.
I used to wear my country's team colors - red, white, and blue; sometimes I spent all day reading in front of our pool, instead of actually swimming. Just as every good nerd would.

But over the years, none of that was constant.

I'm all about consistancy.

And fireworks are always there. I cannot have a fourth of july without the fireworks.

There was a storm on the fourth of july this year. The power went out and so I had to reset my clock. Unfortunately, the watch I used to reset my clock was off by quite a bit. Around 9:30, I called Megan.
Me: Hi Megs, what's going on?
Megan: Nothing.
Me: blah blah blah
Megan: blah blah blah
Me: So, do you think you could pick me up on your way to see the fireworks?
Megan: Umm, I'm actually at the park watching them right now...
Me: What??!! It's only 9:40! They're supposed to start at 10!!!
Megan: Well, I guess they're starting early...or something. I don't know.
Me: (hysterically) I can't miss the fireworks, Megan!
Megan: Hurry then, you can watch them with me!
Me: But is there any parking left??!!
Megan: Umm, no actually...
Me: Okay, I've gotta go! Bye!

You see, I had missed most of the holidays this year. I spent thanksgiving in Toronto, and Easter in the van. I couldn't miss yet another.

So in the rain and lightning I tear out of my driveway, when I reach the end I can see the fireworks. I also notice that my car clock says it's well after 10. I had set my clock in my room about 15 minutes slow.
I breifly pondered just sitting there, at the end of my driveway, but I had to get closer.
So I drove all the way into town.
I parked in Dan's driveway, as the streets by the park were so crowded.

I jumped out of my car, and in my skirt and slip on shoes, I ran in the rain to the church parking lot.

I stood there alone, just looking up at the sky, in the rain. And it was the most beautiful thing. They were so close.

And I started to cry. It was just amazing.