1777

today is flag day.

incidentally, it's also my estranged father's birthday.

june 14th.

when my dad was a little boy,

his parents always told him that everyone put their flags out for his birthday.

it wasn't until years later, in high school when he learned the truth.

even as a little girl,

i remember him getting up early to put up the flag.

he'd always say, 

"gotta get the flag up for my birthday,

see...everyone else is." 

(referencing the other early rising neighbors).

i don't think of my dad often.

sure, i wonder where he is, and how he's doing.

i wish him well and hope that he's happy.

but every year on flag day,

i can't help but think: 

"yeah, those are for my dad"

hapybday, dad.

hapystars&stripes, america.