Last night we watched hundreds of cars go by the fairgrounds in search of a good spot to watch the fireworks. It was worth the wait once everyone got to their viewing point. The fireworks were the best I’ve seen in a long time.
It seemed appropriate that at this patriotic display, seated next to us was a mother with her two daughters whose husband was on his third tour currently stationed in Afghanistan. She was glowing with happiness when I asked when he’d be home–he’s been gone almost a year–and she said, “he’ll be home next week.”
As the girls played Simon Says and Tag with our daughter waiting for the fireworks, I realized what a special meaning this night had for their family. Daddy was coming home and these fireworks were a celebration of their family being all together once again.
When the fireworks started a hush came over the fairgrounds–it was 15 minutes of what we traditionally see as the finale of most other fireworks and it was spectacular.
But out of the corner of my eye all I could focus on for a moment was this little family all snuggled together on their blanket, faces upward with the light of fireworks in their eyes…and their smiles.

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