Over the years, I have come to realize that some of life's greatest treasures are found in the traditions we repeat year after year.
For our family, the Fourth of July has never been just about the Watonga fireworks display, as fabulous as it is. It's about gathering together. It's about slowing down long enough to enjoy a meal, tell a few stories, laugh about old memories, and spend time with the people who matter most.
Like many families, we have our traditions. Marty is usually outside tending the old-fashioned smoker (not the electric kind, heaven forbid), while the family and friends gather on the front porch or play horseshoes or cornhole nearby. Before long, the table fills with familiar dishes everyone looks forward to each year. My family's favorite is “my take” on baked beans. What makes it special is the memories attached to it.
As an estate planning attorney, I spend much of my time helping families pass along their assets, values, and wishes. Yet some of the things we cherish most cannot be found in a trust, a will, or a bank account. They are found in family recipes written in a grandmother's handwriting, holiday traditions that bring everyone together, and the stories shared around a backyard table on a summer evening.
This 250th Independence Day, I hope you enjoy good food, good company, and a moment to appreciate the traditions that make your family uniquely yours. Those are often the memories that last the longest.
With care and appreciation,
Tamara Cain