Moments Worth Mentioning

First and foremost, I was in the company of my family and friends.  This is a stark contrast to last year when I found myself in a park watching the fireworks by myself over 800 miles away from home.  What a difference a year (0r two) can make!  I spent yesterday spending the holiday with people, MY people.  =)  

The day started off early as I picked up a few friends and made the hours drive up to Lake Lanier.  We were on the boat by 9am and anchored out in position for a great fireworks display before the sun hardly came up.  My friends and I enjoyed each others company and spent the afternoon laughing and mingling with fellow boaters.  It was such a joy to have so many of my favorite people in one place.  

As darkness crept over the cove we settled in for an amazing fireworks show.  I found myself sitting next to a friend of mine that is currently in the Army Reserves.  He has a deployment date to be sent over to Afghanistan looming ahead of him.  As we sat there listening to a playlist of patriotic music and had the fireworks blast over our heads I appreciated July 4th like never before.  He, like so many, is making unbelievable sacrifices for his country and because of men and women like him we are able to have such days as this.  It was an honor to be with him on such a special and important day.  I pray that the overwhelming feeling of patriotism that spread over that cove will last throughout the year and not be forgotten as July 4th becomes July 5th.