I don’t like the 4th of July. At least I don’t like it here in Oklahoma. When I grew up in Illinois, people couldn’t buy fireworks to set off by themselves. I have fond memories of the 4th of July from when I was a kid. How we thought that our grandpa had a special button on his lawn chair that would set another firework off. We would say “Do it again, Boppie!” and another firework would explode in the community fireworks display. I also remember a time when I was about 4 or 5 and Uncle Jolly was home for the 4th. He put me up on his shoulders in the dark and I remember being terrified because it was so HIGH. Uncle Jolly is 6’9″. Also, in the small town where I was raised, they would put a carnival right in the middle of the downtown. The carnival and the parade were so looked forward to and FUN!

The first time we came to Oklahoma for the 4th of July was right after Geoff was born. I remember being terrified as David’s nieces, nephews and cousins – some VERY young – were running around setting off fireworks. I was so sure we were going to see flying bodyparts at any time. I had to go back in the house.

In yesterday’s paper, there was an article encouraging people to go to community sponsored fireworks displays as fireworks injuries in Oklahoma are rising every year.

Last night, I couldn’t sleep. Every time I would doze off, someone would set off a ton of fireworks in the alley. I prayed that God would place his hedge of protection around our house so that no random firework would set it on fire. Walking the dog this a.m. proves that the people who are shooting off the fireworks are irresponsible as the streets/sidewalks are littered with debris that the revelers couldn’t even bother to throw away.

I simply cannot understand why anyone would willingly burn up their money like that. Why not just light a match to the dollar bills? I’m sure it’s less threatening to eyes and fingers than accidentally lighting and M-80 in your hand.