One of our BFF’s (Wayne) would always say on the 4th of July: “summer is over!”. Then I would turn to Cheryl (my main BFF) and ask if she has finished her Christmas shopping yet? It was always said, and we always laughed about it! It was part of our tradition.
As our kids were growing up, our 2 families would gather at our house early in the morn. on the 4th. Our friends would always stop and pick up fresh bagels, for a quick breakfast while we packed the red, white and blue wagons with kids, coolers, and red vine licorice!
It all started one year when our kids were very young. Jerry had this GREAT IDEA that we should walk in the parade that traveled down Oklahoma Ave., and ended at Jackson Park, where everyone got vanilla (half melted) ice cream cups that we ate with a wooden spoon. The ice cream was followed by games and prizes.
As the years zipped by and the kids got older, we continued the tradition. And as much as some of us would complain (and pray for rain), the parade would go on and our families were usually part of it.
As the young ones got too old to participate in the games, and the older ones found other things to do, I thought it might be time to create a new “July 4th” tradition. The kids were just getting too old. But there was one member of our group that just wouldn’t quit! This was Jerry’s favorite holiday. He did not want the tradition to end. Just when I thought I didn’t have to walk the long walk or carry any child (or dog) that was getting tired—Jerry had another GREAT IDEA! “Let’s see if our grandkids want to walk in the parade!” And so—the tradition continued.
We entered into the second generation of the parade walkers. As the gkids grew, we would cheer each of them through the “shoe kick” and the various types of races. And—the tradition grew stronger. All of a sudden the older kids started walking again, to see their niece and nephews repeat the same games they had once tried so hard to win! Soon, Kevin and Maggie started to walk along too. They decided that their kids, and the rest of us, were just having too much fun without them. And—the tradition continued for years to come. There was always special preparation for the parade, which I actually enjoyed more than the parade itself! Through the years, we decorated wagons, bikes, roller skates, dogs, and ourselves! The gkids got creative and brought over washable hair paint. They were so adorable with there red white and blue spikes!
We continued this celebration until we moved from that neighborhood 3 years ago. It was a good tradition—It was our tradition. And as much as some of us would complain, I must say: looking back, THESE WERE SOME OF OUR BEST MEMORIES! But as of today, summer is over! I think I will go Christmas shopping! Kids—you better get me your lists!
Happy Parade Day!!
