The Messy Middle

where grace and truth reside

  • About
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Speaking

Family, Holiday

Do blow torches and fireworks mix?

My parents have a few mantras. The one I most hear is: Where did you come from?  How did two Type Z personalities create a Type A person? 

(Double recessive genes is my standard answer!)

One that’s less philosophical is: There’s no place like Frisco, Colorado to watch fireworks. 

(Frisco IS great, but the Hong Kong Harbor … ah-may-zing!)

Fireworks

 

My dad loved fireworks.

When I was a kid, he loved loading the three of us girls into the car and going to the firework stand. Depending on what was legal that year, he’d stock up. When we returned home, another one of his mantras was “the girls will love this!” as my mom gave him quizzical looks as to the amount and veracity of the purchases.

Yeah, the girls will love them.

But when it finally got dark and Dad lit his blow torch, we knew who was having the most fun. It was only years later I learned not everyone’s Dad uses a blow torch because it’s an efficient way to light fireworks. To this day, that blue flame means good times are about ready to roll! And I can testify you can light those black pellet snakes, as we say in Chinese, mei wenti, no problem, with a blow torch.

It’s funny the things we miss about Dad. I didn’t realize fireworks were such a part of my story, but turns out they are. This year as we watch them, there will be the usual oohs and ahhs!, but also some tears.

May you enjoy loved ones this week whether is a holiday where you live or not. And if you want to light a blow torch in my dad’s honor, I know what he’d say … Go for it!

 

Photo credit: Sunsurfr via compfight

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Related

«
»

3 Comments July 4, 2014

About Amy

My name is Amy and I live in the messy middle of life. I have been Redeemed from permanent muck and live with the tension of the Already and Not Yet.

Comments

  1. Sarah S says

    July 5, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    I hope you had a beautiful Independence day Amy, full of good memories of years past and special moments to make the memories of tomorrow. Blessings.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      July 6, 2014 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks Sarah … we did a bit of all! Remembered the past, enjoyed the present, and build memories for the future. Again, thanks! :)

      Reply
  2. Teresa B. says

    July 6, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Amy,
    I love the way this post honors your dad. I miss my dad in weird ways and for unexpected things too. Just yesterday, my husband and I scouted out a Groupon for our anniversary dinner out…and I could almost hear my dad’s voice commending us for getting such a good deal…thank you for your writing.
    Teresa

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet Amy Young

My name is Amy and I live in the messy middle of life. I have been Redeemed from permanent muck and live with the tension of the Already and Not Yet. Read More…

Social

  • View themessymiddle’s profile on Facebook
  • View the_amy_young’s profile on Twitter
  • View amy_young1234’s profile on Instagram
  • View messymiddleamy’s profile on Pinterest
ADD TO FEED READER | CONTACT

welcome, here we

Don't have to choose between extremes. You can embrace life's Messy Middle.

recent posts

  • Becoming More Fruitful is published :)
  • Summer Reading Challenge 2022 is Finished
  • You’re invited to a launch party!
  • Summer Reading Challenge 2022 is here!
  • Top 14 Books of 2021
  • What my book group read in 2021

Archives

meet amy young

My name is Amy and I live in the messy middle of life. I have been Redeemed from permanent muck and live with the tension of the Already and Not Yet. Read More…

explore

  • About
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Speaking

get updates

Copyright © 2023 Amy Young · Customized by A Sacred Journey

{This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more.}