Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Fireworks

Tonight is the night for the Target Fireworks, the biggest event of the International Freedom Festival (it's international because it's a joint venture between Detroit and Windsor - Oooooooooooooo). Although we're not going tonight, I couldn't help but think back to all those times my parents took me and my sisters when we were kids. My Mom loves fireworks so she would look forward to this event as soon as a hint of summer was in the air. And, we loved it too. We usually would pack up the car with good food and drink, lawn chairs, blankets, etc. and head down to Detroit early so as to get a good spot. On occasion, we would take in the fireworks from the Windsor side of the river and it was a trip to Windsor, in particular, that we always laugh about.

We were sitting in traffic nearing the Ambassador Bridge (back when getting over the bridge took only seconds) and there were many traffic cops out and about trying to get everyone to their final destinations. One African American cop, who was a rather outgoing type, was the closest to the traffic flow and, because he was talking to and joking with everyone who inched by, people were handing him all kinds of food, candy, etc. He was getting a full meal while he was directing traffic, which was a great deal for him! But, there was something missing and only my Dad could sense what it was. As we inched by, my Dad handed him an ice cold poppy and this made his day. The cop yelled out, "I'm in the house now," and my sisters and I all died in the back seat.

Just a little tale!

Anyway, maybe next year, we'll re-start the family tradition of attending the fireworks. At this point, I think they would freak Harmon out but next year he should be fine!