Happy day? Yeah, happy day.....here.

I'm sitting on my deck. I hear grand fireworks all around me. Must be a community celebrating early. I even think I hear cheering. Ah, nostalgia. Then I begin to think, this is what people going through war must hear. The sounds from a distance, and even some up close, must be the same. It sounds like bombing and gunfire. Luckily I know in my brain that it is merely a celebration. But I feel empathy for those who live every day with these sounds and don't feel safe, and know that is no celebration they are hearing. They are hearing the sounds of death. It makes me sad.

I am proud of my country and thrilled to celebrate it's birthday, but the sounds bring to life for me an all too real feeling of what others are going through and have gone through. So, on this birthday of our great land I have one hope and that is for peace, world peace. I know, it is a simple little hope, but surely some day we will tire of killing each other and learn to live in harmony. We all have to die some day, why bring it on ourselves?

I know, I'm a silly girl. But if I give up on world peace then I'd REALLY be depressed.

Happy Birthday America, you old goat. The National Anthem still makes me cry. Thank you to all of the men and women who have fought, died and lived to protect our freedom. My granddaughter is upstairs sleeping safely and soundly because of you. We will never be able to repay you. Ever.