Gracie's Fabulous Fourth of July

Gracie snuggles into bed anticipating the Fourth with thoughts of “Don’t tread on me,” If we don’t hang together, we’ll all hang separately,” the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and one of her favorite quotes:

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God.  I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

She likes it because she knows the beginning and most folks don’t; so much for humility.

Slowly she drifts off to sleep while planning her biking expedition downtown to see the fireworks.

In the morning she bags the gym, moseys out of bed and decides to walk to her church’s annual flag raising ceremony and breakfast.  Breakfast is always better when someone else does all the work.

She looks forward with pleasure to eating watermelon – an item too pricey for her current budget.  She still likes to spit the seeds and she knows she shouldn’t as it is frowned upon in most settings, especially indoors.  Self-restraint is a must! Sausages, pancakes, and orange juice are also on the menu.  Walking back home will be a snap with sustenance like that.  She smacks her lips, wipes her mouth, says some good-byes and heads home to make a side dish for the party her roommates are throwing in a couple of hours.

She tosses a Burmese ginger salad together in short order and wonders if this country can get rid of the hyphens:  Asian-American, Black-American, Hispanic-Americans, etcetera, etcetera, and etcetera.  She recalls the words of Patrick Henry in 1773 when he announced:  “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more.  I am not a Virginian, But An American!”

A friend calls and invites her to the beach.  The Fourth of July and spontaneity – can she pull that off? Gracie thinks for a few moments knowing she must decide quickly if she’s going to arrive before dark.  Luckily, she’s a seasoned enough traveler to have a list of what she’ll need inside her suit case. Chances are something will still be forgotten. Wait, what about sleeping arrangements?  Gracie asks "should I bring a sleeping bag or do you have a couch?" "Wouldn't you like to sleep in my king size be," was the response.  Gracie turns beet red and nervously though cheerfully says "I am a fine Christian woman and cannot comply."  The silence was deafening and she breaks it with "well, if you don't want me to visit, it's OK I understand."   "Come down.  We have a couch." She takes a breath and sees the clock is ticking and she prepares to get to the beach in time for the fireworks.

Her host has promised that there will be displays up and down the beach and that the view from the 21^st floor will be grand. And indeed it is. They watch the Washington DC and the New York City displays on TV, when the moment the first whistles and pops begin outside the condo, she leaps to her feet to claim a spot on the balcony. She is amazed by the experience of seeing fireworks at eye level.  Yes, you read that right….at eye level.  The people on the beach set off fireworks that rise through the dark and explode with colorful variety right across from the balcony.  The ocean breeze sweeps the smell of gunpowder quickly away and Gracie is beside herself giggling with delight.  What a glorious experience! And what kind wonderful friends she had to share it with. 

Copyright © 2014 Martina Sabo