Growing Up in Riverton Utah
This morning I stopped by Riverton City Park, where they're already setting up for the Fourth of July Town Days celebration.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but smile.
This is the same park I came to every Fourth of July when I was a kid. It wasn't just a park—it was the place to be. Rides, games, food, fireworks, friends... and memories that have stayed with me for more than 40 years.
Looking around this morning, it struck me just how quickly time passes.
You know you're getting older when July 1st shows up and your first thought isn't, "Summer vacation!"
It's, "Wait a minute... wasn't it just Christmas?"
When I was a kid, summer seemed endless. Three months felt like three years. We'd ride bikes, stay outside until dark, and somehow nobody needed a GPS to find us.
Now it feels like life runs on fast forward.
One day you're worrying about homework and finding enough quarters for the arcade.
The next thing you know, you're comparing lawn mowers, checking your blood pressure, helping aging parents, and wondering where all the years went.
Maybe that's why I've learned to appreciate the little things more.
A quiet morning with coffee.
Walking through a park that's been part of my life since childhood.
A phone call from family.
A funny conversation with friends.
Or simply making it through another day and realizing there's still plenty to be thankful for.
Life definitely moves faster than it used to.
But standing in Riverton City Park this morning reminded me that some places never stop bringing back good memories.
Anybody else remember when summer seemed to last forever? What are some of your favorite Fourth of July memories growing up?
Here's to making most of the journey.
Cameron L Proulx
