The First Fourth of July…One of Many Firsts to Come

Beth Littlejohn, Writer

Today was a travel day for this dutiful daughter.  Donna had taken Daddy home with her for a change of scenery and for her to be able to spend some additional time with Brad.  Daddy had a fabulous time.  Brad took him to breakfast one morning to a little place in Cartersville called

Doug’s.  Apparently Daddy was in good form.  He cut up with the waitresses and fishing buddies of Brad’s as well has had a delicious breakfast.  As you know my father is very personable and loves to be with people.  Donna and Brad also took Daddy to a fireworks display, but I will leave this tale for Donna to tell.

I picked Daddy up this morning, made a stop or two in the Cartersville area and then we were off!  Our path from Cartersville leads us through Rome, Cave Springs, Centre, Leesburg, Collinsville, and then to Crossville.  Rome came and went quickly.  As we entered the charming village of Cave Springs, we came to a dead stop.

Now you must understand that this is a one traffic light town.  At this light we turn right and proceed.  Often I am caught by this light but never have spent more than a moment or two waiting to turn.  Such was not the case today.  We arrived just after the 4th of July parade began!

I guess we waited for 20 or 30 minutes.  There was a huge crowd and it appeared that the town had a returning soldier-hero, just home from active duty!  After we began to creep onward we passed a church which was serving homemade ice cream.  I suspect that had it been later we would have stopped for a cup, but I can’t do ice cream at 9:30 A.M.

When we arrived back at the Windy Knoll, we found Russ and Ann had picked some fresh tomatoes and left them ripening near the kitchen sink.  We also saw that Russ and Ann had pulled some grass in the garden.  Is it clean?  No way!  The month of May allowed the grass to get a gigantic head start on growing while Daddy helped us see to Mother in the rehab facility and the hospital.  Thanks Russ and Ann for your efforts and holding down the fort. Sister, the dog, and Spud and Jerry the cats were excited to see their Pap!

Find a moment in your busy 4th of July to say thank you for the gifts we have been given by the men and women who continue to protect us and our country.  We are not a perfect place to live, but I can’t think of a better country in the entire world.  This is my form of patriotism on this first July 4th in my new normal.

Patriotism and family are in my style of country living.