it could’ve been a bad day. it could’ve been insanely emotional, filled with tears and sobs, and the longing of being in the states with the rest of my family. it could’ve been a day ruined by homesick feelings, leaving me bed-ridden and under the covers.
but it wasn’t.
it was the complete opposite. of course, i missed (and still do now in the quiet moments of the evening) celebrating the 4th of july today in the states with my family’s traditional bbq and crazy, insane fireworks. it hurts in my soul when i think of it, and i am longing to be there.
still, i am very, very excited by and thankful for this day, which is coming to a close. i went to work, had another amazing time working with my college… geez we work together beautifully. then, i was invited to a fun & yummy lunch with some fabulous ladies. after that, i did some errands (which involved a little shopping. always fun errands), and finally spent some time with my love.
when i met up with her, i was greeted by whitney houston singing “the star spangled banner”, there was a big “happy 4th!” greeting on the wall, and a basket full of american junk food, candy, and soft drinks (stuff i don’t get here!) waiting for me. it was crazy amazing and i could’ t believe that she had co-conspired with her parents and gone to all this trouble just for me… because it is the fourth of july. america’s independence day. i seriously was in shock, going from laughing, to my eyes filing with tears, and then laughing again. needless to say, she surprised me in the most awesome way. ♥
at one point this afternoon/evening, lina and i were sitting outside on a blanket. we were listening to music, laughing, talking. i looked at her, and she looked back. i was mesmerized and captivated by her, sinking deeper & deeper into her blue, doe-shaped eyes. at that moment, i remembered something. no matter where i am, or where we are… no matter what happens. no matter what we face. no matter how homesick, scared, confused, or sad either one of us feels (she’s homesick for the states too), everything will always be fine. i will always be home… because of our love.
ok. here come some pictures of my july 4th celebration:
now, the sun is setting on this 4th of july. it has been quite different than most 4th of july’s i’ve experienced; and yet, it’s been really good. i’m headed to bed now feeling overwhelmed & blessed, like my cup is overflowing.
whether you are an american or not, i hope that you found something to celebrate today. if not, perhaps you’ll find something tomorrow!
red, white, & blue peace. (i just had to).
Yay! I’m so glad you got some American treats today. What a wonderful, thoughtful wife/family you have! 😀 I can remember having some major cravings for good peanut butter and American pizza back when I was living in Sweden. It really hits the spot when you can have them.
I also have to say that the picture you have of the clothesline is SO cool. I love it!
The peanut butter I think was my biggest surprise and my favorite!!
Ahhh~ Dr. Pepper & Reeses- food of the Gods- lol. Good on Lina for thinking of it- what a nice surprise! Happy belated 4th to you both. 🙂
Thank you, Tracy! xo
Happy 4th of July. Ever since I spent one of them in New York I know what big a deal it is! Well done Lina for organising the sweet treat suprise. On the Swiss National day Ireland the Swiss embassy in Dublin invites all Swiss citizens to a garden party. There are speeches and stuff but mainly a crap load of Swiss cheeses, sausages, chocolates, wine, etc. Maybe you should have a word with the American Embassy … 🙂
Wow! That is crazy that the embassy does that. Yeah, I seriously gotta get in touch with them. 😉
That is such an incredibly sweet thing of her to do!! You have a lovely family in Sweden 🙂 I’d love to experience the 4th of July in the US someday, it sounds fantastic. National day in Austria is a matter of a few parades, and in England it isn’t celebrated at all (unless you count the Queen’s birthday) so I don’t think I’ve ever seen these kinds of celebrations!