Gulf Coast Family

by Joy and Jerry Lancaster

It seems like the older I get, the more strolls I take down memory lane! Thankfully, most of my childhood memories are very happy ones and 4^th of July celebrations rank up there with some of my fondest memories. I grew up right here in Pinellas County, on Sunset Drive in the Pasadena area. What an idyllic place to spend ones childhood! Our home was right across the street from Boca Ciega Bay. At that time, almost every house had 3 or 4 children living there. We knew that we had to “mind” all the parents, not just our own! On Sunset Drive, homeowners’ lots included the land across the street and several feet out into the bay, so on the 4th of July, almost everyone would bring out the grills and lawn chairs and there would be a huge cookout over by the bay. My parents had a tether ball pole put up for us, and I remember MANY black eyes from getting smacked in the face by an errant tether ball. There always seemed to be at least 3 or 4 badminton games going on as well. After eating WAY too many hot dogs, and indulging ourselves on watermelon and homemade ice cream, we would sit along the seawall and watch the fireworks from Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and St. Pete Beach. I grew up thinking that EVERONE got to watch 3 fireworks displays on Independence Day!

Recently a friend of mine experienced something that comes to my mind as I think of all the freedoms we enjoy in our country. She was in the Reagan Airport in the Washington D.C. area, and over the speakers, people were asked to come to a certain gate, if time would permit. When they got to the gate, they were handed American flags and were told that some WWII Veterans would be arriving for a reunion, and they wanted to give them a hero’s welcome. She said that the men were completely surprised and overwhelmed when they were greeted by an honor guard of people waving the stars and stripes. She said she will never forget the looks and tears on many of their faces. On this Independence Day, we say thank you to ALL the people who have made our freedoms possible.

Grandparenting Tip: “Christmas in July”

Yes, you can celebrate Christmas any time of the year and this year July 25th falls on a Saturday. So pull out some Christmas decorations and music, and invite the grandkids over for some summer fun, great food and maybe even a present or two.