Happy birthday, America!

The fireworks began last night--quite impressive for a backyard display. In her five-year-old world, this was an incredible sight. She'd seen fireworks before, mostly huddled against me or her father or under a blanket, but this time, instead of, "It's going to fall on us!" her reaction was "Wow!" This morning, after thinking it all over, she wanted to know more about this celebration. "What is July 4?" she asked. "It's our country's birthday," I answered. She was delighted. Birthdays are second only to Christas as the greatest moments in life. Over sausage and scrambled eggs, we explained to her how our nation was born and about the freedom we treasure--freedom which makes our country great. As she thought this over and ate her sausage balanced upside-down on her fork like a frisbee on a pole, I wondered what life will be like for her in another twenty-something years, when she is my age. How free will we be? How well will we remember our founding principles? Hopefully, the future is bright. For now, she's content to wave her flag at the parade later today, share hotdogs with the neighbors, and see the huge fireworks show--the grandest version of blowing out the candles. Happy birthday, America!