4th of July

I spent 4^th of July weekend at Stacy and Jason’s beach house, with a handful of the people I love most in the world. Not everyone in the tribe, but enough to make me pause a few times in the weekend and look around and whisper a quiet ‘thank you’.

During the six years I lived in California I thought a lot about this house. Stacy has a collection of framed photo collages downstairs from the many faces of family and friends staying at the house through the years. The many moments frozen by photos, and great memories. Lots of laughter and joy within the walls.

Lots of play.

On Independence Day we saw the most spectacular fireworks display, that was being shot off on a driving range maybe 300 yards from where we sat, exploding in the air right overhead, to Neil Diamond music in the background (sounds funny, I know, but it was great).

Someone commented that it reminded us of the ending scene in “Meet Joe Black” where there is an elaborate fireworks display for Bill Parish, Anthony Hopkins’ character's, 70^th birthday. Bill Parish is a very good man and his birthday was being celebrated by the hundreds of family and friends that loved him. Joe Black, Brad Pitt’s character, is “Death” who comes to earth to spend time with Bill Parish, to try to understand why life was so important that Bill wanted to stay for a few more days.

When it becomes time for Bill Parish to leave with Joe Black, the two of them look at the people, and the fireworks overhead. Joe Black finally begins to understand that the meaning of life isn't what happens to people...it's what happens between people.

"It's hard to let go," Bill Parish says to Joe Black.

"Yes it is Bill," Joe Black replies.

“And that's life," Bill Parish replies. "What can I tell you."

Yesterday afternoon we went for a boat ride, enjoying the last few hours of the weekend. Connor and Carly went for a ride, and later on Stacy and I kayaked from the boat back to the dock.

Nearing the dock, we looked to the side and saw a family of swans taking their cygnets out for a late afternoon cruise as well. I suddenly thought of Sam, the little boy in "Trumpet of the Swan", who first spies the swan family, and realizes what a special moment it is, as its happening.

I had that feeling as well.