Reflections of 4th of Julys long ago....how am I old enough to have such thoughts?

Lately I've been reading posts reflecting of the simple times of childhood that most of us in a certain age group remember....rotary dial phones, slip n slides, Koolaid in the Koolaid buy pitcher (I have one, and am using today by the way), and days and nights of summer that seemed to be infinite.  I'm wondering if that was truly when things were "simpler" or if the thoughts come from getting to a certain age and having a seemingly endless number of things on one's "to do" list that creates such thoughts.

I came across this song not that long ago, and not only do I love Miranda Lambert (and doubt greatly that she's old enough to remember any of the things she sings about in this song).....but I love the message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ksWKOy665o

I love the thought of trying to slow down and just enjoy the moment.  Just.  Enjoy. The.  Moment.  It's a huge challenge for me.

Somehow it seems we have all gotten so used to having things AUTOMATIC.  In an instant we want our tea, our rice, our information, or response, our ideal weight, our goals....that we have forgotten sometimes, the journey, the time, the moments in between are where real beauty and life are experienced.

Yesterday, like so many 4th of Julys from my past, I spent the day with my Polish family.  As a child, we would go over to my Uncle and Aunt's house, spending the entire day (and into the evening) in their pool.  We would eat what we wanted to, not what we were "supposed" to eat.  We would drink sugary drinks, and not worry about the calories or the affect of the sugar on our metabolism.  Parents would drink whatever frozen concoction my Uncle would create.  He/my Dad would grille these enoromous hogie sandwhiches, often having enough to feed a small village.  We would spend the hours laughing, listening the Beach Boys and dreaming of the sparklers and treats certain to come later in the evening.

It's been 1 1/2 now since my Uncle died.  Yesterday, my cousin (his daughter) hosted a party my Uncle I am sure is quite proud of today.  We laughed, listened to fantastic old school/county/and yes....Beach Boys music.  We ate fantastic food, grilled, and had lovely adult and kid drinks available.  Yesterday....a little piece of my memories from childhood slipped back into my today-reality.  I'm grateful.

Hope you all can enjoy a few moments today, and everyday, that remind you to never, ever, give up the whimsy that is the joy of childhood.

"You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." Desmond Tutu.

Peace....