1 post tagged “family”
first of all... happy 4th of july to everyone!
its funny, all morning ive been getting texts from friends saying happy 4th! enjoy! eat good food! etc... but for me, the 4th of july has never been a day when i express my patriotism, or wear red, white and blue, and partake in a few rounds of the anthem and other good ol american songs..
rather, every year, the day brings forth significant elements of my life, and i never know whether it will be a day that ends on a good note or not.
my Aunt Vivians birthday is on the 4th, so for many of my childhood years, the holiday was spent at family reunions at my grandmothers house in santa fe, and then taking some time in Albuquerque with my dads family, having dance contests, and cheering on as my dad puts on the fireworks show for all my cousins, siblings and i.
Another year was spent bawling in my 82 subaru to a song called the leftovers, and another spent alone, sitting next to my show mix Dobie, as we watched the fireworks from our backyard rain over Ruby hill park..
last year, i spent it with Evelyn's family, and it was one of the first times i felt as if i had a family that would take care of me as a new resident of Chicago... and this year, with Hector and friends, cooking out, and spending time, to right at this moment, as i look out of my attic apartment window onto the southwest side of chicago.. with the smoky smells being blown into my face with by my fan, and taking care of my Kittie (who is hiding under our bed) and my mini-puff kitten, whos paying no mind to the shouts and whistles and lights outside.
this holiday has always been about family.. the celebration of whatever family i have in that moment in time, because it is always changing. it also allows me to be present in my heart for the family that i dont have in that moment in time, to know that they are thinking of me as well...
in a way, i guess it could be patriotic, the celebration of the birth of this nation, that i am a part of, by way of my family, and to celebrate all of my family, is to celebrate the complexities of this nation.
