Second time on the Fourth (4th of July blog post)

　
One year ago today I was on a fishing Vessel in Homer Alaska. After a hard days work and some bad storms we pulled into the dock. It was the fourth of July and the other deck hands were going to drink and party at the Salty Dog. (A famous Saloon in Homer Alaska). Because my grandfather knew exactly what was going on he sentenced me to death and told me I could not leave the harbor, boat or dock. This killed me because the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I am not a "bad kid" but my grandpa is a hard ass and cares about me. So I figured if I couldn't do anything too crazy, I would call my family and friends while I had phone service and wish them a happy Fourth and catch up on life. I called my mom and got passed around to the whole family, I called my best friends and caught up on life. After that was all done I called my ex. I wanted to wish him a happy Fourth and see how he was doing and thank him for his service. lets just say that conversation left me crying on the dock.

After about 5 minutes of crying a sweet young man passed me, turned around, sat down by me and put his arm around me. Once I got done crying enough that I could see I realized a complete stranger was holding me as I was crying. I turned to see who was hugging me. It was the kid from a few boat slots down. He said, I may not know what your going through, but have a beer and lets go watch the fireworks.. I looked at him and said I don't drink beer and im grounded to the harbor. He looked at me and said give me 5 minutes.

I went in the boat and fixed my make up, My grandpa asked where I was going, I told him I was going to watch fireworks with a friend. He about lost his mind, I told him I was not leaving the harbor and that I needed this, he saw the make up running all the way down my neck and gave in. Robert came up to my boat and said ready? Don't bring your phone or anything that can get ruined by water... I said..  ok.. do I need a life jacket jokingly? He replied with.. "maybe", oh man I was in for some trouble.

Robert was taking me to watch the fireworks in his 15 foot aluminum boat. As we left the harbor and went to the shore of the beach we talked about life, where we have been and where we are going. Robert helped take my mind off what was going on in my life for a couple hours. For that and being so sweet to me during that summer  I am very thankful. Thank you Robert for being so kind and caring!

This Fourth of July I spent working my little but off. My mom txt me and asked me what my plans were. I told her I would like to go to the fireworks with the family and maybe some friends. She told me she had talked to Robert, a family friend who works with my step dad. My mom told me to invite Robert, his dad was out of town and maybe he would like to join us. I txt Robert and asked him to come over for dinner and fireworks. When I got home I passed out for and hour then got ready for the fireworks. Robert and I went out with my little Brother Paul to find a great spot at the resort to spread our blankets. My mom and the rest of my family showed up and we all enjoyed the huge firework show together. It was a very nice Fourth of July.

Once I got home and layed down, I realized all the coincidences from last Fourth of July. This was hard for me, for a second there I was thinking I was back in the same spot. I had to remind myself to calm down and count to 100. Once I calmed down I acknowledged all of the similarities as well as evaluated the differences I felt much better. Yes, for the past two Fourth of July(s) I have been in the process of a break up as well as spending the day with a "Robert". On the other hand, I have learned so much about life and myself since then. I am very proud of myself and I am grateful to all of those who have assisted me. Thank you very much for your love and support.

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to breath :)

I love you all! Hope you had a great fourth of July!

xoxo

Jules