A chance encounter with joy

Flickr / BellaBim

Saturday night, my family enjoyed the most serendipitous experience I’ve had in a long time.

My husband and I had planned to take our kids to watch the fireworks at the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham.  We knew from experience that the show would not begin until at least 9:30 p.m., so we tried hard to ensure that the kids were well rested. Consequently, we were disappointed to see that, despite our best efforts, our 1-year-old’s spirit was waning half an hour too early.  Forcing him to remain up would not be pleasant for anyone at the ballpark.

We chose to drive through downtown on our way home in hope of catching a glimpse of the fireworks.  As we drove past the ballpark, we noticed a few people gathering to watch through an opening in a back wall.  As luck would have it, there was a parallel parking space right across the street.  My husband quickly parked the car.

We, and perhaps 30 others, had an unfettered view of the night sky.  As the fireworks soared overhead, our 5-year-old danced and shrieked with glee.  Our 3-year-old, startled by the noise, clapped her hands over her ears, but wore a huge grin the entire time.

We didn’t even have to sit in the post-event traffic.

I wish I knew we’d be able to plan the same approach for next year. Perhaps we’ll give it a go.  But what made the night truly special was how serendipitous it all was.  And how beautiful it was to see the bright starbursts light up my children’s astonished faces.