It's official...or at least, officially my opinion, that the 4th of July STINKS in Arizona.
It didn't even feel like the 4th of July other than it was about 115*--which makes it feel like Arizona in July, but not necessarily the 4th.
Throughout the day, I couldn't help but think of this man, though:
This is my Grandpa H. I have some pretty awesome memories of the 4th of July in Provo with my Grandpa. He L-O-V-E-D Independence Day and would always get up early to set out the blankets and chairs on 9th east in Provo to watch the annual parade, and then again at night for the fireworks that went off across the street at Kiwanis Park. In-between the festivities, we'd have a picnic lunch...sometimes at grandpa and grandma's house, or sometimes at my uncle Gordon's. We always had lots of cold watermelon, and when it got dark enough, grandpa always had sparklers for us kids to do. I will never forget how he loved the holiday, or how he loved each one of his grand kids. He always made me feel special. I especially loved his big hugs. I was lucky enough to receive one last hug the night he passed away, after suffering from cancer. Even though he was in horrendous pain, he remembered me, smiled, and hugged me. I will never forget that.
I was glad I could think about my grandpa and feel like even though I may not be celebrating the 4th with family at "home", I have many wonderful memories of the past to bring a smile to my face.
4 comments:
what a beautiful post about Grandpa. I miss him daily. And I loved the 4th of July as a kid, also.
your sister and I had a conversation about this years ago, how the 4th hasn't been the same since Grandpa died. Remember his awesome turkey?
Tears in my eyes. You hit the bulls eye with that post-- I'm so glad you remembered the watermelon. I think it's why I love watermelon so much. He did love the grandchildren. I think Crystal and I may have been his favorites!!!
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