One of the many things I loved so much about my Grandma: every year on my birthday my parents had all the relatives over for a big barbecue. I hated it, I just wanted to be left alone and not have to act my part in the 'perfect family' drama we put on at said event, but I was forced to. And the worst part was the fireworks. My grandma would sit inside with me every single year, when I was still small enough I remember sitting in her lap in front of the window so she could watch them and still comfort me, and when I got too big I'd sit on a chair scooted up really close next to her with her arm around me, because I was always so afraid of the sudden loud noises. I loved her so much. She's been gone for a very very long time but every year around my birthday I remember her sitting with me during the fireworks and I get a little wistful, being in her arms made everything alright, I was so blessed to have her in my life for 15 years. Sigh.

Anyway, I'm not that little girl anymore, and I'm not so afraid of them these days. Although I do prefer to watch them from a distance.... we may do a few little fountains at home, but that's about it.

But I still miss my Grandma.