By Sue Baldani

Now that COVID-19 infection rates are coming way down, this 4^th of July we will celebrate a different kind of freedom. A freedom from having to wear masks inside and out, from the fear of stepping outdoors, and from the barriers to being with the people we love. Of course, we still have to practice some caution, but it’s now possible to celebrate a holiday in a way that resembles the “good old days.”

Fortunately, a lot of 4^th of July celebrations will take place outside, in the warm, sunny weather of summer, which is still considered the safest way to congregate. We can don shorts, flip flops, hats, and of course, sunglasses, without that dreadful mask steaming them up. This Independence Day will be a time to gather again with friends and family, cook juicy burgers, eat corn on the cob slathered with butter, and grill barbeque chicken and ribs to sticky perfection.

Children can splash around once again in pools, in lakes, or in oceans with friends, while parents lounge on beach chairs waiting for the fireworks to start. Cool drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will be made by the pitcher, and ice cream in cones and cups will be doled out in abundance. Ahh, what a wonderful image!

Let us rejoice in our health and celebrate the chance to live life to the fullest, and let’s give thanks that our country and the world is bouncing back from the horrors of this pandemic. It’s time to be optimistic that there will only be happy and healthy surprises moving forward.

Happy 4^th of July, and God Bless America!

Written for The Country Register distributed across the US.