Why July 4th Was (And Is) Special To Me

Why I Love July 4th!

It’s true. I love July 4th!

I absolutely, positively, love it! It’s one of my two favorite days, ever. Yes, there are other days that I love, but July 4th is truly special. For me, it’s unique.

Each year, my family and I make a really big deal out of July 4th. We anxiously await it. We get all “geared up” for it. We really get prepared for it. Sometimes, we even start getting prepared several weeks in advance.

We get a bunch of presents and yes, we get some fireworks. Yes, indeed, July 4th is celebration time at my house. In fact, the actual celebration often starts on the third of July.

We sit together, tell stories, open presents and eat some awesome foods. Sometimes, we play games, watch movies and do other fun family activities. Then, later in the evening, we go outside and share in some “firework festivities” with our neighbors.

At least, that’s how we did it in the past. This year, the pandemic and social distancing put a halt to that, as my neighbor and I both had to take safety precautions. Nonetheless, we made the best of it. It wasn’t quite the same, but hey, life is about adapting to change, right?

Anyhow, with July 4th being the special day that it is, we were determined to move forward with the celebration. As the saying goes, “The show must go on!” And so it must. July 4th is that important to me.

Each year, I thank God for it. Each year, I thank my wife for it. You see, July 4th is the day that the second of our two children was born. It is, without a doubt, one of the two most special days of my life. The other day is May 4th, the day his older brother was born.

I realize that July 4th is special to many other people for a much different reason. However, for me, the day has always been extra special — and always will be. It’s the day that I get to say “Happy Birthday, son! I love you.” And for me, that’s truly something to celebrate.

Perhaps you’ve heard that old one-line joke, “May the fourth be with you.” I’ve heard it about a thousand times. Yet, each time I hear it, I can’t help but smile. However, I’m not smiling because of the joke.

I’m smiling because I’m happy. I’m smiling because I’m blessed. I’m smiling because I’m thanking God. I’m smiling because the fourth actually was with me and my wife — twice. It was with us when both of our children were born; one on May 4th and one on July 4th.

Now you know why July 4th is so special to me. Whenever I think about it, I don’t just think about that one day. I think back to many years ago, about both of the days when both of my sons were born.

I think about how awesome it was to witness their births. I think about the moments when they each entered the world. I think about seeing them for the very first time. I think about holding them for the first time. I think about all the wonderful things that come along with having a new baby boy…

I think about how they’ve grown through the years; and what fine young men they are each becoming. I think about what they will be like when they are full grown men. I think about lots of things concerning my children. But mostly, I think about how blessed I am to be their father.

When I think about July 4th, I don’t think about one day; but I think about the two happiest days of my life — the days when my children were born.

My name is Nathan White. Among other things, I’m a husband, proud father and one incredibly blessed man who loves July 4th!