It’s the Fourth of July weekend in Hilldale, Pennsylvania, and all the local townspeople are having their annual bonfire. My cousins and I have always especially enjoyed it. It’s a nice way for each of us to get out his frustrations and, more importantly, to act stupid in an acceptable context.
My cousins and I have had such an entirely lopsided rapport over the years. The fire is only one representative example of all our odd antics, which, of course, no one else understands. We laugh. We reminisce. We watch strangers burn things. Are we a fun bunch or what?!
eastelmhurst.a.go.go 
Like the rapport here.. fires can be such a builder of friendship
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Thanks I was hoping people could see it that way~
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no one else understands Isn’t this JUST what great friendships are made of??? Lovely piece.
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Larry, a nice depiction of the quirkiness of family (and other) relationships.
janet
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Great insight into a family.
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I love how you captured the essence of family bonds, the memories and togetherness that allow cousins to be so comfortable together even after years apart
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You hint at a family among the town as well. Very subtle.
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Thanks. Believe it or not I didn’t even notice that
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I can see how watching people burn things could be fun, especially at a bonfire. I’ll never forget the bonfire at the beach I went to, one fourth of July. People were throwing fireworks at each other. That was great fun until my hair caught on fire! Great fun.
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That’s the catch unfortunately. It’s so nice from a distance. People have to keep throwing things only in other directions, away FROM each other~
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I know exactly what you’re talking about. I get it, believe me.
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Larry, It’s great when you live near family and get along. It’s a great support system. I have so much junk I wish there was a fire I could go to. Well written. 🙂 —Susan
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