Freedom, barefoot, footsteps too big

We celebrated our country's great freedom yesterday. Well, we celebrate it everyday by living, but on July fourth, we remember, we have cook-outs, make home ice-cream, and enjoy fireworks. My family attended the final fireworks display in our town last night. It was held on the lake, where many families had been all day. It was a beautiful night with the boats lining the shore to watch and the sky becoming dark. As my family sat waiting, my daughter wanted to walk around. We found picnic tables to sit on and watch the view. As we sat I heard a little girl talking with her dad. She was barefoot and in a pink swimsuit. She was struggling to keep up with her dad. The ground was covered in rocks and roots from trees. Her little feet and legs were moving as quickly as possible without causing too much discomfort on her bare toes. Her dad was impatient. Smoking a cigarette in one hand, a can of beer in the other. She called to him several times to be picked up and carried. He wasn't willing to let go of either items in his hand to hold her. He became irritated at her words of need. He picked up his gait so not to hear her small voice too clearly. She wanted to stop to rest but could not less he keep going and leave her behind. Small, blonde, child, born with the need for someone to love, protect, carry when tired, or take a rest when weak. Freedom. For this young child would have been the comfort of her daddy's arms so she could rest. Freedom. For this young child would have been a dad who would stop, bend over and ask her was she tired or did her feet hurt. Freedom. For this young child would be someone who would sacrifice a good time and show his love for her was greater than his need. Freedom. I have wondered about that precious, little girl today. I wonder if she feels free. Her feedom from a dad who drinks too much. Her freedom from a day lasting too long for her short legs. Her freedom from wild, loud people who could step on her toes. Her freedom to say she is tired and wants to go home. Her freedom to know someone cares and will hear her small voice. Freedom may be a warm bath with pajamas to follow. A book read while rocking her brown eyes to sleep. Prayers before tucking the covers around tight. A kiss on the cheek knowing everything is alright. Freedom.