Well, it’s that time again, and as my heart ponders memories from 44 years ago, I am reminiscent of this time that I was waiting for our third and caboose of our family to come into this world.
The baby was due in June, but she was already stubborn and refused to be on time, so my doctor decided she would be born the first of July. But she held out until the Fourth of July so that she could claim this special holiday as hers.
It was hot on that day as it is today, temp resting at about 100 degrees, and my doctor kept grumbling and complaining how he was missing his July 4 cookout. Well, I wasn’t sorry, and if any of you ladies have been in the family way for nine months and It’s freaking 100 degrees and you are tired of being in labor, you know that you don’t care who misses what! She was born at 3 in the afternoon on Independence Day and decided as she was growing up that the flags, fireworks and all the celebrations were always enjoyed just for her birthday, not the day we celebrated our liberation and freedom.
She would always have us carry her around town to see who had remembered her birthday. As a matter of fact, our entire family still refers to this day as “Pam’s birthday.”
It seems fitting that she was given this day as her birth, as she fits the criteria that makes this holiday what it is: independence, free will, self-rule, sovereignty, control and influence.
She is one of the best mamas that I know, as she rules her house with freedom and her children are allowed to be themselves and find their own personalities whatever it may be, but they are always to have that self-reliant, self-confident, and self-sufficient mindset just like their mama.
She would be joined by my brother’s son, Seth, five years later as a birthday twin. We have always thought this to be an enigma that two in such close connections would be born on the same day and close to the same time. Two independent offspring!
So, as you place your decorations and flags in your scheme of the Fourth this year, remember Pam’s birthday!
Our corn usually comes to fruition on or about the Fourth, so a fresh corn salad is always on the menu.
FRESH CORN SALAD
6 cobs of fresh corn cooked and kernels cut off
3 slices of cooked crumbled bacon
1/3 cup of red onion
5 T. mayo
1 diced green pepper
¼ t. garlic powder
1 t. hot sauce
Mix all except bacon and blend well. Stir in crumbled bacon before serving.
