BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY: A LIFETIME OF CELEBRATION

by Phyliis Jenkins

How many of you remember the Bozo the Clown show? I still remember the excitement of walking into the local studio, KTBS Channel 3, in my hometown of Shreveport, LA. With ten of my friends by my side, I celebrated my 12th birthday in a way that felt larger than life. When Bozo stepped onto the stage, we cheered, screamed, and clapped. Oh, what a fun and memorable experience!

I didn’t fully understand it then, but being born on the Fourth of July meant the celebration would always be part of my story.

While families across the country gathered for fireworks, music, and laughter, I was celebrating not only a national holiday but also the gift of another year of life. Over time, I’ve come to see that many of my most treasured memories are tied to joyful moments shared with others.

That childhood experience on the Bozo Show was just the beginning. As I grew older, my birthday celebrations took on new meaning. One milestone that stands out is my 30th birthday, celebrated at Southfork Ranch during the height of the television show Dallas. Yep, I was a big fan of the show. It felt like stepping into something extraordinary. My family and I toured the ranch, enjoyed live bands, watched magic shows, and soaked up the excitement. It wasn’t just a party; it was an experience to remember.

Years later, when I reached my 50th birthday, the celebration looked very different. Instead of simply attending an event, I created one. I hosted a banquet with entertainment and a speaker, centered on a theme that had become deeply personal to me: Don’t Ever Give Up On Your Dreams.

That day was more than a celebration of age; it was a reflection of purpose. It marked the journey I had walked, the lessons I had learned, and the dreams I had chosen to hold onto through every season of life. It also became an opportunity to encourage others, reminding them that it is never too late to believe, begin again, or pursue what God has placed in their hearts. They each walked away with a magnet featuring the celebration's theme.

Looking back, I see that entertainment has played a greater role in my life than I once realized. It brought laughter in my childhood, excitement in my younger years, and deeper meaning in later years. What once felt like simple moments of fun have become markers of growth, courage, and connection.

I have discovered that as we grow older, our celebrations often shift. They become less about the noise and more about the meaning. Less about the event and more about the people. Less about what we are doing and more about what we are becoming.

If there is one thing I have learned, it is this: celebration is not something we outgrow; it is something we grow into.

Whether your memories include grand events or quiet moments, they matter. They all tell a story: your story.

So wherever you find yourself today, remember this: it is not too late.

Celebrate your life. Celebrate your journey. And most of all, don’t ever give up on your dreams.