4th Unlike Most
Yesterday was unlike any 4th of July I have ever experienced before. I guess I should get used to encountering brand new things. Independence days of the past consisted of me getting home at 3 am from bartending and groggily waking late for the parade in Lakewood, OH. I then would hop on my bike and stumbling upon my family perched on the seats of their bikes over looking the parade waltzing down its usual path. Throughout the course of the day I would ride to a number of family parties on my bike and watch the fireworks in a dear friend’s Farrell’s backyard. These fun times were centered on good relationships and community.
This year I rose at 7:30 am and showered and met some volunteers of Friends of Acadia for a pre-parade party. My sister, Chris and I arrive on Sea Mist lane house number five at the end of a little one way gravel street. The house is perched with a clear view of the ocean. I have some instant coffee complimented by a mouthwatering scone stuffed with dried pineapples, mangos, and cranberries from a secretive favorite Bar Harbor baker. I am surrounded by youthful and energetic volunteers who help construct, reclaim and maintain the trails of the Acadia National Park. Every single person around me cares so much for nature and preservation of its beauty that they dedicate three days out of every week for four summer months to volunteering in the beautiful park. These folks are truly dedicated to the mission of enjoying all things good, from the nature to socializing and relaxing. Each person travels from their hometown each year for a unified group service. These people are so you at heart they refuse to use their AARP card. The hosts of this great even are Howard and Dee along with their peers who are all proudly over the age of 70!
It was nice to get to sit down on the street and watch the parade pass. The parade had its usual attractions, clowns, floats and bagpipes. The unusual things were grown mend driving miniature semi trucks and fast go-carts wearing funny hats. One part of the parade had a large car with a ramp attached from the back to the front that allowed the carts to roll over with the car moving. Not safe.
After the parade we picked up a wedge of brie from a local store along with a couple red and green apples for the post-parade potluck party back with our relatable elders along the ocean. I have never enjoyed myself so thoroughly with such a spectrum of colors of personality. I got to talk on so many different levels with such a informed class of people. Even a leprous elephant could have felt comfortable with these folks. There was ceremonious singing and cheering all afternoon as smiles filled the room.
I am so thankful for the great company and socializing that I accomplished with such a great group of caring people. My cheeks were sore after we left from smiling constantly.
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