Activities entries

Pakistan Independence Day

Smoke filled the air. I smiled in delight. For all the years I served Pakistan, this was the best celebration yet. It was the middle of August and I was beading with sweat. The smoke bombs, as I called them, were just the beginning. The clouds looked dark and ominous against the blue sky. I had seen green sky too.

"It's going to rain. We did most of the daylight fireworks—time to go inside for tea and sweets. Bring the fireworks in. You get the first choice. You're a veteran." My mom rubbed her hijab in a way to cover her hair.

I picked up the fireworks and brought them inside. Behind me, rain started pouring. I sighed. If it didn't stop raining and clear up by Magrib, then they wouldn't be able to celebrate at night. I looked at all of the journals and medals I collected over the years—time to start a book about serving Pakistan. I smiled at my accomplishments.

"Dad, it won't stop raining," a grandchild of mine spoke up.

"It never lasts long. Come and enjoy sweets."

My mom was busy putting pans on the stove and chopping up vegetables. She asked for help only to set the table. Things I knew how to do. I didn't know anything about cooking. That was more for the ladies. I knew the fields. Delicious food grew here.

"Magrib time. Isaac, will you lead us into prayer?" My son asked.

"Of course. I will." I felt delighted by the honor.

After Magrib prayer, we checked the weather. Still raining. Slowly, the rain subsided and the sky cleared, revealing stars and the moon in the night sky. In the distance, we could hear and see fireworks in the air. Now we could continue celebrating. We started with fountains.

Word Count: 300
Activity: "Honoring Our Veterans - Challenge"  "The Bradbury"