I could have happily spent the 4th of July alone but I’ve been enjoying too much solitude since school got out. Days between appointments can pass without my uttering a syllable to a soul.
I’ve spent various special days alone like Thanksgiving, Easter, and even my birthday. But there is something not quite right about not saying a hello to someone on July 4th. It’s the only holiday where strangers stand together as neighbors. I’ve made new friendships on this holiday.
Unfortunately, the fireworks show across the street at CBS studios came to an end after seventeen years of tradition, therefore ending my tradition of hosting a party. J invited me to meet her childhood friends.
JNET: “Will it be alright if I want to be an introvert and read a book or lay out?”
J: “It’s a nice group of friends that have been friends forever. They will be fine. Its the cat rescue people that are new. They are a different crowd. Conversations might be a mine field with them. They get intense.”
JNET: “Are they born-again cat people? Maybe I can bring my allergy medicine. If they get too much for me, I can excuse myself and say I’m feeling allergic.”
The cat people were a no-show even though they had overwhelmed the party invite thread with photos of cats in desperate need of a home. The host was annoyed by that. Her friends were amused. I was the only new person and was welcomed. I floated on a inflatable pink donut while they played catch up. I drifted in and out of conversations depending on where my donut took me. Sometimes, I literally crashed. It was a happy and lazy Independence Day. We grilled burgers and shared a good laugh.
I excused myself long before sunset. I didn’t want to chance driving home among drunk drivers and I had met my limit of people energy for the day. CBS fireworks across the street would’ve made a difference. I missed how my neighbors and their friends and mine all gathered at the pool and grill for the largest pool party the apartment would have all year. Once the fireworks began, we either stepped outside the building to join the neighborhood and their friends or walked across the street to CBS to join an even larger crowd.
People still stood outside when the fireworks began. We saw several displays in the far distance and it wasn’t the same. The joy was muted. I felt a bit sad. All the oooohs and ahhhhhhs I enjoyed while admiring the sparkling blooms are now just memories for the past.
I know there’s many that think it’s a good thing to end all fireworks. But can you imagine the day when the Fourth of July is silent?
July 4th is my favorite holiday. I love fireworks and I love that it’s a holiday that stretches beyond family and friends. Under the flickering of fireworks, everyone becomes your neighbor and friend because we love this country we call home.
I hope CBS brings back their July 4th fireworks and I truly hope that our country never becomes silent on this holiday.
Happy July 4th!
JNET