WSET.com - ABC13Fourth of July Baby by Lauren Compton

As the story goes I was supposed to be born on July 3rd, but as day turned to night it became apparent to my mother and father that I was holding out. Instead of spending the night in the hospital, my mom enjoyed a late night snack of Dairy Queen Blizzards, and fries. I'm told at the time it was a great combination. A little after midnight in a haze of DQ delights my mom went into labor. And, little Lauren Compton was born.

I grew up in Hampton Roads, but I was born in the Deep South, good old Mississippi. And, my earliest Fourth of July memories come from the hot, sticky, summer days when it seemed like the whole neighborhood was celebrating for me. My great grandmother lived outside of city limits, tucked away in an almost hidden country neighborhood. My family would hold a massive cookout, with a huge cake, tons of friends, and all day I felt like the center of attention. The whole neighborhood would gather in the backyard and reminiscence over a hot grill, as we played games. At night we'd take out little sparklers and dance in the street. In our country neighborhood I saw a grand fireworks show, but we had fun creating or own. Those simple celebrations are still my favorite birthday memories.

It wasn't until we moved to Virginia Beach that I really understood the meaning of the Fourth of July. I remember the first time my family went to the beach for the holiday. I had never seen crowds so large in my life. Hundreds of people piled onto the beach, and I remember vividly K. C. and the Sunshine band rocked the night away, before fireworks took over the sky. It was the greatest firework show ever. The vivid colors, the melodies, it was all so powerful.  I remember seeing people held their hand over their heart as they watched the fireworks, while listening to the National Anthem. My proud Navy dad explained that I indeed was a lucky girl to have a birthday on the same day as the nation's birthday.

I didn't feel the least bit slighted that I had to share the spotlight with America the Beautiful, a nation that broke free and carved its own identity. A nation of pioneers, and trailblazers who fought and sacrificed for a better life. And, somewhere in all the pomp and circumstance I could light a sparkler for me too. I became even more proud of birthday.

There's something special about being a Fourth of July baby. I don't know about other Fourth of July babies, but I think you can't help but have a little sparkle in you heart being born on such a big day. How could you not be an optimist, a hopeful dreamer, or believer that anything is possible? I mean the Fourth of July reminds us all what can be done if you have the strength to fight for your freedom, your dreams, or this one life we're all given. And, every holiday as I look up at the firework displays I'm rejuvenated, and hopeful that all things are possible.