Independence Day Fireworks

Photo of Napa Valley fireworks found here
It was seven years ago, that night that we went to see the fireworks in the Napa Valley. We would be getting married in four days, and pretty much everything was in place. There would still be the trip to the registry in Napa, and from there to San Francisco for the rest of the day so we and the kids could savor sundaes at Ghirardelli Square. And there would still be time for going to church, an afternoon walk in the woods, a picnic rehearsal supper, and the wedding rehearsal itself. Family was descending from all directions, and the air was singing with anticipation.

But first, there was Independence Day to celebrate, and the watching of the fireworks at the VA Home in the valley. Rather ironic, isn't it, that we were celebrating the surrender of some of our personal independence by watching Independence Day fireworks? Go figure. It worked for us, and still does.

We set out our blankets on the grass by the long line of trees along the road and settled in to await dusk and the show. Families flowed around us, kids sporting their newly purchased glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces.

I don't remember much else. I held his hand, and then snuggled up next to him, and thought about how my life was about to change in ways expected and unexpected. And I felt happy right down into my bones.