born on the fourth of july
For most Americans, the fourth of July is about celebrating our independence. As I was growing up, that was the same for us, but there was an added celebration in our family. It was my Opa’s birthday. And he didn’t shrug off his birthday as most people do when they age. He declared his special day to everyone within earshot and made sure they all knew that the fireworks were for him. I remember watching the explosions of light and color while sitting on his knee when I was a little girl and he would say things like, “Isn’t it great that the whole country celebrates my birthday?” The fourth of July party at their local country club was also know as Marshall Johnson’s birthday party. He was a charismatic, well-liked man, so not only could he get away with it, but everyone played along. It’s a game that’s been
