Family Fireworks

I was tremendously lucky. I had an incredibly magical childhood. My dad was definitely the kind of dad that was stoic and quiet and did not snuggle or play with you but he always wanted to make everything perfect and special. Still does.... I am still having a magical life in many ways because of him and my mom... I wasn't tremendously lucky ... I still am tremendously lucky!

Every summer for the majority of childhood and adolescence right through to young adulthood, Dad would take us to Cleveland Beach and he would set off fireworks. I loved every second! Some times it was with other family members, sometimes we took part of the neighborhood... kids cramming into the car... sometimes it was just us four with strangers nearby watching... LOL... but I loved it! And it was almost always near my bday too! Not intentionally but as my bday is at the end of the summer, I would hug that thought to myself...

The magic wasn't just the fireworks... they were cool. The magic was the anticipation, Dad saying it was coming... the loading of the truck... the drive out to the beach... the sound of the waves while holes were dug to put them in... the smell of the sea air.... love those sounds and smells... and the careful precision and meticulousness my Dad put into every moment.

This year, my kids got to enjoy it for the first time! For me that made it even more special!

.. my video is so short... doesn't capture the magic at all. My cousin Alex captured much more of it... but until I learn how to compress a video... LOL.... this will have to do!

Thanks Dad!