Truth be told:
The 4th of July weekend is not one of my favorites. It has nothing to do with patriotism. I love my country.

This is the weekend I lost my mom in 1997.
When this weekend rolls around each year, I do anything and everything to keep my mind off this horrible weekend 17 years ago.

On a positive note, after mom died my life took on a whole new sense of urgency which led to decisions that would shape the next 20 years.
Very powerful.