Sitting in that magnificent yellow 1933 Packard convertible car, passing familiar folks waving and hollering, "Hi, Earline," was one, great big, happy-face memory moment I will treasure.

And when you're blessed, as I was, with your amazing granddaughter (7 going on 8 years she said,) sitting beside Grandma in a hometown parade - that's very special.

Maraeana Den is her name. It's almost as pretty and unique as she is. I'm prejudiced. Still, she had that "Parade Wave" down pat in no time. Yep, she's a natural for parades I thought imagining her as a movie star, or cherished celebrity of smashing accomplishments.

Or maybe Maraeana's claim to fame will be raising her own children, one of life's most rewarding and demanding careers.

What will the world be in her lifetime? Will she remember this parade and moments of special smiles and fun shared? I believe she will and will smile a lot.

All that was missing was my grandson, Paul Walker Den (6 going on 7-years) seen sitting on nearby grass with his mom and dad, while yelling, "Grandma, I'm over here!"

As this beautiful 1933 Packard automobile (from Classic Cars @ Pacific Highway and S. 246th Street) carried us like royalty through Des Moines, people seemed love-struck at the sight of this fantastic car, and not shy about waving to Maraeana and me. What fun!

This adventure started when Anna Bjorneby, parade chairperson and longtime community volunteer, called to say, "Earline you've been chosen to be a grand marshal in this year's Waterland Parade! Wow! That caught me off guard, what an honor.

Anna said Clark Snure, a retired attorney who has donated legal expertise for many local causes and still does, was also chosen as a grand marshal. Clark is also a devoted Rotarian and proud father and grandfather. So, we became Co-Grand Parade marshals.

What is it about a parade that makes people happy? We'll sit/stand for hours, even in the rain while Seafair Pirates fire off that gawd-ahfull loud cannon, and clowns pass out candies. Beautiful girls adorn eye-catching floats, and children seem overwhelmed by the sight of it all.

Just maybe we love parades because it's a celebration of our home and life with friends and neighbors. As for me, I'm now partial to being driven through crowds -- in a classy car, with a just as classy driver,from Classic Cars. Oh, the good life!

Seafair parade marshals help keep Des Moines Parade moving smoothly and this year Seafair representatives also surprised a very special lady, Fran Woodard, with a recognition Seafair Award for all she did and does. While she was muttering, "I don't deserve this," the crowd countered with, "Oh yes you do!" Sometimes silent supporters are overlooked, and yet are often a foundation of volunteering projects.

Ah, but I digress.

It was a weather picture-perfect day and parade excitement was high as we headed downtown. Three honor guards led the parade with pride in strict military posture carrying the American Flag.

Both Clark Snure's car and mine followed the guard as they marched in perfect sync from start to finish. All that was missing, in my opinion, was some good old, lively marching songs.

Waving ended at the parade announcement stand where we were told to leave our cars. Sadly, we missed seeing folks in the next block. All they saw was my name on an empty car and called to see if I was sick or dead.

Lyrics of a song come to mind, "After the Ball is over, after the break of day..."and this rolling ball of a parade was over. Yet, the music lingerers on in my heart recalling the good people I've been blessed to know and work with for common community betterment.

So, at the end of this day, nestled in my comfy recliner picturing these precious moments; I sipped a toast of nightcap Chardonnay to all who made this parade happen, gave my little dog, Miss Katrina, a big hug, settled in for another Des Moines magnificent sunset, and asked the good Lord to keep these good days coming-- for one and all.

May there always be parades, laughter and friendly people, especially grandchildren, who make this world a better place.

Thanks to Anna, BJ, Fran, your committees, Des Moines Police and officials, volunteer donors, and Destination Des Moines - for another really Grand Parade!

Today's Thought: You don't need to blow out someone's light to let yours shine.