As we approach this 4th of July, I realize that I have seen some absolutely amazing fireworks displays. I believe the best ones were in the greater Las Vegas Metropolitan area when we discovered that there was a single location from which we could see all of the fireworks displays across the valley. It was amazing to see.
You see, not so many years before that (when I was 5), I was terrified of fireworks. In fact, I remember my Dad standing inside the apartment building hallway holding onto my hand because he and my Mom wanted me to see the fireworks, but I didn't want to hear them. At the very first "pop", I told him it was time to go inside, even though we were already inside. What I really meant was, I wanted to go way inside to a place where that terrifying noise was no longer audible.
Fortunately, I grew out of that stage and, ultimately, came to appreciate the sight and sound of fireworks. There is nothing like a glorious fireworks display to transport you into a momentary state of both bliss and appreciation. Especially around this time of the year when, despite our often greatly-embellished differences, I find myself proud to be an American.
