Bright blooms.

On the 4th of July, I think of my father & brother Dan. Each summer, from my tweens to early adulthood, we would celebrate my brother’s July birthday along with Independence Day, holding a big family BBQ with games like volleyball & horseshoes at our family home in New Hampshire. We’d prepare by making all the sides, my mother & I, & we’d invite extended family & friends. It was a pretty big deal, & something I was eager to celebrate.

I always looked forward to those family gatherings because everyone would be in a fun playful mood. In volleyball matches, I remember Dan spiking the ball with a triumphant “Feel the power of Thor!” And this was well before the Marvel film boom.

Showy colors.

My father conjures up vivid colors in my mind, as he’d wear bright pink pants during the summer & red was his favorite color. Knowing this, my mother would use bright annuals at the house every summer, red geraniums & bright marigolds, to bring those pops of rich hues to the landscaping. In beds & pots, annuals acted like floral fireworks, adding cheer to the gatherings.

So, the 4th of July makes me think of the two closest men in my family who were instrumental in my growing up. We sadly lost both to cancer well before their time, related to their military service (in Saudia Arabia & Italy, respectively), but this post isn’t to be a sad one. This is to honor the vibrancy both gave to family & friends alike, as they lit up the room.

Yellow flowers catch the eye.

Both Dad and Dan had megawatt smiles, a great sense of humor, & a silliness shared with loved ones. Singing, dancing, & hamming it up–I loved watching their playfulness, hearing their stories, seeing their practical jokes play out. All of it. I never thought it would end at such a young age.

Despite the loss, I felt & feel blessed for every one of those summers, those BBQs, the fireworks at Opechee Park, the leftovers that lasted a week. Whether at the beach or in the boat on the lake, we made the most of those days. Trips to Dairy Queen, movies at the drive-in, lobster rolls at Sawyer’s, corn on the cob by the dozen. All of these things tie to my summer memories of them.

My father loved red.

So, this Independence Day, I’ll be sharing the holiday with my son Daniel, named after my brother, my best friend. My hope is to pass on to my Danny the absolute joy of summer, the exciting moments watching pyrotechnic displays in the sky, & the taste of my father’s favorite potato salad recipe. He will be alert & aware enough to take in our annual trip to Rockport in August, which excites me.

It feels good to make new memories, even if bittersweet in reflection. I don’t generally talk about these things because 1) it feels like I’m Debbie Downer, & 2) words tend to fail me when spoken aloud–at least for the emotions I feel most acutely. Yet, I need to share what this day means to me & why.

Pretty hydrangea.

Thus, I share these bright blooms as Nature’s fireworks, set off to commemorate Dad & Dan on a brilliant summer & patriotic day both veterans loved. And I hope all who read this have or will experience the incredible gift of unconditional love like I felt from my father & best friend of a sibling.

For so many reasons, I’m grateful today.

Roses.