Like all holidays this year, we have to grieve lost traditions and connections and celebrate new ones. This process results in a very bittersweet experience. One of the things that helped our first 4th of July in St George be less sad, was that Kaleb come up from San Diego. He was an easy guest to have around and provided a good distraction for us. We attempted to take the boat to Sand Hollow, but found the squalls of waves, overcrowding of boats and utter chaos to make the experience a little less enjoyable. Tony, Kaleb and Sam went mountain biking and Tony and Kaleb had a good time playing pickleball. It was fun to BBQ and introduce Kaleb to Popeye's; Tony continues to convert guests to the spicy chicken sandwich. Kaleb even bought and lit fireworks. It was all fun and games until we watched fires start near homes on both sides of us. Max had a campout with friends, but said it was just too hot to sleep. Sam helped take down the neighborhood flags. We had hoped everyone would join us for the festival in Kanab, but it ended up just being Tony and I. It was a beautiful drive through Arizona to Kanab and then back through Zion.
This is also a different 4th of July because both Tony and I are wrestling with the injustices and inequalities that have really been brought to the world's attention. We are struggling to reconcile the racism in our church, community and family. This holiday felt very introspective and I was equal parts ashamed and proud to be American. We are fasting today with the purpose of understanding our individual responsibility to be anti-racist. It has been a time of discomfort and introspection and I hope the answers come.
Dad, Sam and I at Aspiration Point, a fun hike in St George.
ballin with Bub
Tony and I driving to Kanab and Zion
No comments:
Post a Comment