With the sun blocked by shady trees, we take our seats, though not our normal seats, and sit, facing the east. The grassy lawn to the north is covered in blankets, lawn chairs, and people. The bleachers are fuller than most nights and is a sure sign of how big the festivities are going to be this evening.
Munching on a supper of hamburgers and hotdogs, we await the beginning of the excitement. At a couple minutes before 7pm, we are asked to stand while the National Anthem is sung. There's not a breath of air and the red, white, and blue flag which so often flaps in this part of the country, hangs, unmoving while hundreds of eyes focus on it.
After a while longer, the fun begins.
The first batter comes out, the pitcher stands ready on the mound, and everyone else waits in their positions until some flying ball comes their way.
The first couple of innings fly by at such a pace it's easy to mistake what inning we're really in. When you think it's the second, it's actually the third. But the game grows more interesting as the two teams find contact with the ball and send it soaring.
A bunch of foul balls, strikes, hits, balls, safes, and outs later, it's a tied game at 2. But it's not over until it's over.
The sun sets, casting golden rays across the field. We're thankful for the shade, but even with it, we're quite toasty. We need a breeze...and less human heat in the stands. But without the shade, we'd be goners, so we're very thankful.
The game is tied again. In the 6th inning, our home team score two more runs. All of us in the stands are excited. Our team has already won the three game series during last night's double header, but winning this game, this night would be a wonderful start to the second half of the season.
The Seventh Inning Stretch is upon us. As the crowd rises for what they think will be the baseball game classic, we hear something different. Instead, we sing "God Bless America" in honor of the holiday. And the soldiers and veterans are honored with a hearty applause from everyone in the bleachers and lawn alike.
Our eyes are back on the field as the teams are ready to begin again. It's a game that could go either way and we really want a victory. The game continues on to the last inning. Our team gets a guy out. Two more outs to go. Then one more. Then-- for the first time since 2013, our team has won the 4th of July game! 6-5 is the score.
Everybody has 3 minutes to find their seats and children before the lights go out and the firework show starts. Music blares over speakers and the first heart-pounding KA-BOOM breaks out in the sky. The light created by such a huge display shines bright for only a moment, a moment long enough to make your eyes adjust and then have to readjust when everything goes black again.
I watch in awe with my heart thumping, the music playing, and my mind spinning. What an amazing show. I think of bombs, real life bombs and how scary they must be. I think about how understandably a dog would be terrified on a night like this. I think how nice it is to live where we do. I think of how pretty fireworks can actually be and I wonder how in the world someone can make so many do so many things. And, though I don't get emotional or cry over such things, I am very touched by the whole evening. No, I don't cry, but I am moved.
We are blessed to be Americans.
And when they play "God Bless the USA" for the grand finale, the night becomes perfect. I got to watch my favorite sport of all time. I get beautiful music to listen to while watching the best firework show I have ever seen. And I am happy.
Happy 4th of July, everyone!
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Last night was truly the best Independence Day I've ever experienced. I'm so thankful I got to watch the Bee Jays play, spend the evening with my family, watch the fireworks, and breathe in the fresh air of America.
I know the 4th was yesterday, but I had to post about it.
Stay safe. God bless!
From the Ranch~
