Small Sparks

Every Fourth of July, we do sparklers in the backyard. It’s become our thing. Sophie gets brave with hers immediately, writing her name in the air like she’s signing autographs. Theo watches from the safety of Marcus’s leg, fascinated but terrified in equal measure.

Small Sparks

I love these quiet moments more than the big fireworks shows. Sophie’s confidence growing every year, Theo slowly warming up to new things, Marcus being the steady presence they both need. The sparklers burn out in sixty seconds, but these memories last forever.

We’ll probably do this exact same thing next year. And the year after that. And honestly? I hope we never stop. Some traditions are worth keeping simple.