Fourth of July Celebration!

This week instead of writing about plumbing, water heaters, gas lines, or clogged pipes we decided to write about the Fourth of July.

Over the last couple of days I have reflected over some of my 4th of July memories and thought I would share them with you.

As a kid growing up West of Springfield, Missouri and living in Greene County, the 4th wasn’t a one day celebration, but it seemed to be a week long celebration. This was due to living in a county that we could shoot fireworks off at any time.

I remember sitting on my grandparents porch with my cousins in the 1970s. We had these little monkeys that would smoke cigarettes, and just as the cigarette burnt up there would be a small pop that would make us laugh. I think they only existed for a few years before they decided they were not safe for us. Then came the black snakes and smoke bombs. I think they are still, the so called, safe fireworks for kids, if there is such a thing.

Another fun memory I have is being at my aunt and uncle’s house.  They had an old WWII bomb shell, I have no clue where they got it. I just remember it was huge, and my cousins and I would drag that shell all over the yard as we made our attack plans.  We would shoot bottle rockets off while sitting on it. I also remember the day after… we had to pick up all of those little sticks and pieces of paper from the yard. That wasn’t as much fun!

For the last 30 years I have lived in Nixa, Missouri.  Wow, how different The Fourth of July is now.  From being a carefree kid shooting off fireworks, to now having kids and making sure they don’t have a major accident while making their own childhood memories they are now able to share.

Last night, while watching fireworks at the Clever Freedom Celebration, I could not keep from thinking about how blessed we are to live in America where we have the freedom to have our own opinions and to express them. The freedom to pretty much make of our life, what we choose to do with it.

We hope you all have a happy and safe Fourth of July.  As we go throughout this next week celebrating the birth of our country, we hope you take a moment to reflect on your Independence Day memories, a moment to reflect on the freedoms you enjoy that America gives to you.

Happy Fourth of July!

Written by:  Sheila Smith