Happy 250th, America!

I thought it would feel bigger, more momentous. But it didn’t. Maybe because, with Philadelphia hosting seemingly everything this year, I avoided the festivities like the plague.

The entirety of the Delaware Valley seemed to have the same idea and escaped to the shore, just like we did.

This year was different: it was just the kids and me at my parents’ house. No husband. No sister, brother-in-law, or nephew.

Normally, when the whole gang is there, my son and I escape to the skate park like it’s our Sunday religion, and I happily leave my daughter with the rest of the crew. This year, I had to change my tactics.

Every year, we walk to the main drag to watch the bike parade. Riders pedal by in Uncle Sam hats and robes, decked out in red, white, and blue, with streamers flying from handlebars and wheels transformed into spinning pinwheels. My daughter has wanted to participate for years and, for whatever reason (read: laziness disguised as practicality), I just never made it happen.

But this year, before she even asked, I mentally relented.

I told her, “Come to the skate park with us on Friday, and we’ll do the bike parade together on Saturday.”

She was stoked.

She spent hours in my parents’ garage crafting fringed handlebar grips and wrapping streamers around the frame. She was so proud.

And so we rode. She got compliments. There were snacks at the end, which, if we’re being honest, is the true sign of a successful community event.

Was it a little cheesy? Absolutely. But on the Fourth of July, cheese is practically patriotic.

Was it kind of cool to see the neighbors lining the street, cheering everyone on and celebrating in the spirit of the day? Also yeah.

And maybe that’s why the holiday didn’t need to feel bigger or more momentous. The big thing wasn’t the fireworks or the fanfare of America turning 250.

It was finally saying yes to a little girl who had been asking to ride in that parade for years.

Those are the moments that matter.

Those are the moments she’ll remember.

At least I hope. 😉