Aren't fireworks beautiful? There's something so patriotic about fireworks (other than the fact that they are a U.S. tradition). They are always used in celebration of something wonderful. In this case, they are used in celebration of our wonderful country. The boldness, brightness and loudness of the fireworks signify (to me) that we (the US of A) stand tall and proud. We will never let any group of people instill fear into our lives. At the risk of sounding even cheesier, I am so grateful to be an American. I am so grateful that all of my grandparents and great-grandparents decided to take a risk and move to live the American Dream. Anyways, my REAL post...
I used to be afraid of fireworks. Terrified, actually. I have this vivid memory of one Independence Day evening when I was probably 8 years old. We (my family) walked around the corner to a neighborhood block party. The kids played out in the street until it was dark enough for fireworks. Then, when twilight came we all gathered on the neighbors' front lawns and watched the fireworks. These weren't just the normal neighborhood fireworks. These were the real fireworks. Loud, bright and overhead. I loved them. But I also hated them. They were too close to me. I startled easily and everytime a firework went off, I freaked out. I think I was also afraid of the "fire" part of "fireworks." In my little kid mind, I had the idea that the firework was going to fall on me and burn me. I distinctly remember clinging onto my uncle's arm that night as the fireworks shot off overhead. He chuckled at me and asked me what I was so afraid of. It didn't matter how hard he tried to reassure me, I was still terrified.
Perhaps my "fear" of fireworks was really the start of my respect for fireworks like they always say to "respect" the ocean. The ocean is a magnificent part of our Heavenly Father's creation. While we should enjoy this creation, we need to be aware and cautious of its dangers. Fireworks can be beautiful, when used cautiously and appropriately. I like to believe that I was just uniquely aware of that at such a young age.
Even with my unique fear, I still loved fireworks. There were many years that we went to Tigard High School to view their fireworks show. We sat out at the Seminary Building's lawn with some friends and family and it was beautiful. I have another vivid memory of coming home (at the old house!), opening my bedroom window and staying up watching the neighbor's fireworks. Even after they ended, I left my window open in hopes of hearing a few more before I drifted off to sleep. I did this for many years at my current house, too.
There's something about fireworks that makes me so happy now. I'm no longer scared of fireworks (NOTE: Ground fireworks never terrified me, just aerial fireworks). I am definitely not as crazy as Trevor or Matthew when it comes to lighting fireworks, but I can light the fuze without having a mini panic attack. In fact, Trev and I always argued over who got to light certain fireworks. Anyways, the point of this paragraph is that I can't seem to get enough of fireworks now. They fascinate me.
Last year, I was in Provo for the 4th. Every year BYU holds a concert and firework show in LaVell Edwards Stadium. The Jo Bros were on deck for 2009. So, my friends and I skipped the concert and decided to watch the fireworks from campus. We ended up lying down on the grass right next to the Cannon Center. I believe the fireworks are launched from Helaman Field, so we were right next door. It was amazing. They were gigantic- so large that you couldn't see it all at once. You could also feel the ground rumble in response to the launch. What an incredible experience!
Another favorite firework moment was just this summer. I went to the fabulous NYC a couple weeks ago and was fortunate enough to visit some good friends. Friday night, we took the subway to Brooklyn, grabbed a couple of pizzas and ate by the bridge. We had a fabulous view of the NYC skyline (and you know how much I love the sight of city lights at night). It was gorgeous. Then, I spotted fireworks going off in the distance. My inner child came out (not the fraidy-cat child, but the giddy child) and I shouted, "Fireworks!" as I pointed in that direction. The fireworks were sort of to the side of the skyline (more towards the Statue of Liberty direction) but I could still see the skyline. And the fireworks. Perfect.
I wish I had a better camera, so I could have captured that moment. But it looked somewhat like this, except it was later at night and the fireworks were way over to the left (over the water):
Everytime we visit Disneyland, I make sure we stop to watch the fireworks show at least once. I have learned to watch the fireworks show on the first night possible. Over the past 5ish years, Disneyland changed the launching site or height or something. Everytime I go now, we have at least 1 night of canceled fireworks "due to high winds." One trip, it was canceled every night! I was really bummed that year.
Anyways, Disneyland does a spectacular fireworks show set to music. It's so fun to sit down after a long day at the park and just enjoy the show.
It's also really fun to catch certain rides during the fireworks show, if you can time it right. The first time I saw the fireworks from a ride, I was on the Matterhorn. I think I was in high school. Anyways, we rounded the corner and came out from the mountain and there were the fireworks lighting up the sky and the castle. Another picture perfect memory. Since then, I have also been fortunate to see the fireworks from Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. I will never forget those moments either.
Of course, it's also been incredible to watch the fireworks from my cousin's backyard every year. Their property borders part of Summer Lake. When we sit out on their deck, we can see fireworks from every direction. Fireworks literally surround you all 360 degrees. The prettiest fireworks are those that reflect off Summer Lake. We have many good memories (and a couple close calls) shooting off our own illegals.
I still want to see fireworks on the beach someday.
As well as Washington D.C.
Perhaps I'll have to take a trip next year.
