It’s the Fourth of July: a poem

August 1, 2025

And I am sitting here enjoying the sun setting

It’s nice and cool but the sun feels warm on my skin

I am pregnant and cranky about all the sounds and smells around me

But it dawns on me

I am living my dreams.

I am living in Colorado

Someplace I have wanted to live for years

And able to see the mountains from my balcony

I have a space I can sit outside and enjoy the sun

I have a puppy who is sweet and sassy and is obsessed with me

I have wonderful books to read and exciting things ahead

I have a huge family who is excited about me moving back to be closer to them

I have a baby growing inside my womb

It’s a girl

We have an adorable name picked out for her that I am excited to share with all my family

And most of all

I am married to the most wonderful person I have ever met

A man I have loved since I was 12

A man I pined over for 15 years before we got back together

A man who loves me in all my mess and all my beauty

A man who makes me feel safe and seen

A man who supports my dreams and aspirations

I am so beyond grateful

And even though I’m cranky

I have so many beautiful things to be thankful for