Celebrating Family Life

The Fourth of July has come and gone and with it the bursting of fireworks and the special time spent with family. I love the enthusiastic somewhat excessive celebration of it all. At what other time to we literally blow up our hard earned money? But on this day we do so to commemorate our freedom and our way of life. We do it up in a big way and we do it together.

As we return to our routines I think it would be great to look for ways to also celebrate the people around us. Take a friend to lunch or extend the holiday by doing something special with the family tonight. Just hang on to a little of that enthusiastic excess and don't be measured in your praise or in your delight in those you love.

Raising six children has left me with a host of holiday memories. This one was sweeter watching  my 22 month old grandson playing with his many aunts and uncles. I know there won't likely be many more holidays when all my family will be present as one son sets out for California in a few weeks and the others will scatter soon enough. So I cherish each moment and cease the day. I hope you likewise celebrate the lives of those who mean the most to you by being fully present and thoroughly enjoying your time together.