Interdependence Day

I feel as if holidays are for children, and since I'm no longer a child...

But, I have a wife and three daughters, all of which are still children, therefore we celebrate holidays within the same boring vein as most middle to upper class white southerners.

Today, unlike any other holiday in the past, I felt as if I belonged whilst celebrating Independence Day with my family at my 'rents' home.  In the past, time with them at their abode has always instilled in me a sense of being out of place as their only son.  Now, keep in mind that I'm an architect, therefore I'm more attuned to buildings / design than most, therefore I realize that has something to do with it.

Know too that my 'rents behave with superb hospitality.  Holidays with them are always festive and beautifully rendered with all the traditional trimmings.

Growing up with Bob and Darlene, I soon began to feel out of place whilst in my late teens.  I can remember coming home from college during the summer months and being keenly aware of it.  Because they built their dream home during this period of my life (which they still reside in), that had to have enhanced these feelings of being an outsider.

Soon after I acquired my first job as an architect intern, I moved out into my own apartment.  My mother in particular didn't agree with this move, but oh, how I loved my new digs due to the fact that I no longer felt alone within the family home.

So, what's changed?

All I can come up with is the interview I gave last weekend at FBC Petal.  Perhaps somehow that experience dislodged / clean sweeped away any remaining shame that remained relative to my own story as it relates to being the son that I am of my parents.

I feel damn near empowered.  What an awesome holiday this has been!