Fireworks for the fourth, or not

Not only will my family be celebrating Independence Day this weekend, but my grandson turns four years old. He is sure that all the fireworks are for his birthday, which they are if you're from our family. My grandson's name is Jamisen. He is the stereotypical boy. He loves trucks, motorcycles, disc golf, dirt and work. He loves his birthday and fireworks. For the rest of his life his birthday will be celebrated with fireworks. Or not.

Not everyone will be so excited to have fireworks all around them this weekend.  For some, fireworks bring back memories of injuries or loss.

For my mom's finance, Jay, this 4th of July represents loss and renewal. Last year while on vacation in Tennessee Jay received a phone call around midnight. It was one of those phone calls you hope you never get. He was told that his house had just burned to the ground due to fireworks. Jay returned to Everett, Washington where he witnessed the devastation and destruction of many of the memories and belongings he held dear. Most of his possessions had burned or been ruined by water and smoke. He also lost one of his beloved cats. Neighbors were able to save his truck and his Harly Davidson motorcycle from the garage. Not much compared to the losses. This fourth of July will be a reminder of what he lost in the fire, but it will also be a reminder of those things that still remain: love, family, friends, and a newly rebuilt house.

To watch news video about Snohomish County's proposal to ban fireworks, one resident's opposition and Jay's house fire, click the following link.

http://www.nwcn.com/news/washington/Snohomish-County-to-consider-fireworks-ban-93898839.html