July 4th was usually at the beach or cabin (My Favorite Place on Earth), celebrating the birth of the USA, and my wonderful maternal grandmother’s birthday. Gram was actually born on Christmas Day, and, while beloved by her husband and five daughters, her birthday was mingled with Christmas. She usually would get combined Christmas and birthday presents, and Christmas was prominent.
After she retired, she moved in with us. The first Christmas with her, my mom and two aunts discussed what to make for Christmas dinner desert, and decided to bake a birthday cake for Gram.
After dinner, when they brought in the birthday cake, candles blazing, Gram burst into tears … it was her first ever birthday cake. After all these years, I still get teary thinking of that.
On July 4th, her birthday cake had sparklers rather than candles. We loved making her special.
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Thank You, Father, for family. Help us love them with Your love and for Your glory.
