Loud Stars and Small Victories

Three years. Three years of Fourth of July fireworks ending in tears, ear-covering, and an early retreat to the car. Sophie has never been a fan of loud noises, and fireworks are basically her nightmare packaged as a celebration.

But tonight? Tonight we had a breakthrough. Sophie sat through the entire fireworks show without crying. She wasn’t exactly cheering - she spent most of it calling them “loud stars” and asking when they’d be “all done” - but she stayed. No tears, no hiding, no dramatic exit.

Loud Stars and Small Victories

The post-fireworks ice cream celebration felt extra sweet this year. Sometimes the smallest victories are the biggest ones. Marcus and I are calling it a win, and Sophie is calling it “okay but still loud.” We’ll take it.