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"Fourth of July #2, Independence, Missouri" by Mike Sinclair

The Fourth of July is my Grandma's birthday, so growing up, my family always celebrated with her.

I remember long hours of swimming in my grandparent's backyard and then wrapping up in a towel for a barbecued meal (my Grandpa burned the sauce-smothered chicken so often that now it's the only way I like BBQ chicken), lemonade mixed with ice tea, watermelon slices, and strawberry-dappled homemade vanilla ice cream — all atop Grandma's green and white polka dot tablecloth.

Since she's been gone (five years now), the 4th is still family filled and lots of fun. But it's different. And I always miss her extra this time of year.

I hope you have a safe and memory-filled Independence Day with your families.

Happy Birthday, Grandma. Love you.

Mike Sinclair's lovely "Fourth of July #2, Independence, Missouri" print is for sale on 20x200.

Click to share your family's Fourth of July traditions.