Resilience and Renewal: My Journey, and Reflection, Through Independence Days

Independence Day, celebrated on the Fourth of July, marks the anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence in 1776. This historic day signifies the birth of a nation founded on principles of freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. It commemorates the courage and determination of the founding fathers who envisioned a country where individuals could govern themselves, free from tyranny and oppression. Independence Day is a time for Americans to reflect on their nation's history, honor the sacrifices made for freedom, and celebrate the liberties that define the United States.

For individuals living in the world's most free and opportunity-providing country, Independence Day is a reminder of the immense potential that comes with freedom. It underscores the idea that each person has the power to shape their destiny, pursue their dreams, and overcome adversity. In a nation where opportunities abound, Independence Day should inspire individuals to reflect on their own journey, recognize the challenges they have faced, and celebrate their achievements. It is a day to appreciate the freedoms we often take for granted and to reaffirm our commitment to making the most of the opportunities available to us. Whether through personal growth, community involvement, or striving for a better future, Independence Day encourages each of us to embody the spirit of resilience, determination, and hope that defines the American dream.

It was July 4, 2007. The day was getting long, the skies were dark, and the storm was intense. I knew the rain and lightning wouldn’t last long, but it was right on top of us, and I wanted to be done for the day. My lack of patience would lead to my undoing. It wasn’t unlike many summer Florida afternoons, but this one was soon to become one that I would never forget. In the retail propane exchange business, summer holidays were always our busiest times and while others were enjoying barbeques and cold beers with family and friends, I was slinging propane cylinders, replenishing all the big box stores so people could enjoy their backyard festivities. 

The Walmart in Palatka, FL. Had cages that were set up to hold 168 cylinders. Apart from a full cylinder here and there hiding amongst the empties, the store’s cages were out of stock. On holidays, we were lucky enough to bring along a helper, but for those who don’t do this work, day in and day out, the pain would usually become too much by the end of the day. This was to be our last stop for the day, and we had just enough gas on the truck to get their cages replenished. The rain was coming down so hard that gutters and drains could not keep up. We were walking through an inch or two of water and our clothes were soaked clear through. The skies were so dark that all the lot lights were on, and the thunder was one continuous roar coming from the skies. Lightning stapled around the clouds and seemed to dance among the light poles. My buddy Cody, who was assisting me for the day decided the elements had become too much and got in the truck. I kept going but the storm continued to intensify with every trip back and forth between the truck and the cages. 

I decided it might be best if I jumped in the truck for a bit and see if the storm would subside. I had just grabbed two full cylinders from the bay in my trailer but decided to set them down and take a break. As I reached for the door handle, it felt like I was the center of an explosion. I was thrown 10 to 15 feet and bounced off one of the big yellow, plastic sleeved bollards that are lined along the front of the Walmart stores, ultimately ending up on my back in the water on the sidewalk. I could not hear anything, or speak, but remember looking up and seeing the door of my semi hanging open and Cody looking out at me over the driver’s side seat. Cody came flying out of the truck, grabbed me underneath my armpits and drug me into the entry of the store where I recall people were freaking out. As I was regaining my senses, I grabbed Cody, shaking my head NO as people were yelling for someone to call 911. I’ll never forget the day I experienced feeling like a pin head being hit with a sledgehammer.

It was July 4, 2009. It was the very early morning hours of the following day, but my July 4th had not ended. I was sitting on a raised patio along one of the intercoastal canals near Crystal River, FL., still drinking beer and smoking a cigarette. My friends and I had spent the previous day diving for scallops and partying for the 4th of July. In a very intoxicated state, my mind was racing through all the previous day’s drama. A “friend” who had a very enhanced grievance with me decided the best way to address said grievance was to approach me quickly and punch me in the face multiple times before I had a chance to get out of my chair.   

As someone who had taken more than my share of hits to the face and head, this event was very different. I’ve both won and lost more fights than I care to remember, but to be blindsided in this way by someone I knew was reminiscent of the years of bullying I had experienced as a much younger person. The injuries I knew I had sustained were something entirely different as well. The blood and swelling were instantly a mess and I looked like I had taken a baseball bat to the face. What I thought I knew about the people I knew would never be the same.

I tried to avoid seeking medical treatment, but when I tried to go to work after the holiday weekend, I was told I could not drive until cleared by a doctor. As a driver, this just made sense considering I only had one eye that was functional, and half my face was completely contorted. I went to urgent care and was immediately sent to see a specialist. I had a crushed orbital socket, a fractured cheek bone and my eyes were out of alignment. Surgery was the only option for saving the eye and being hopeful of a decent recovery. I was less than 3 months off another surgery in which I had just had my shoulder repaired from a car accident. I was not happy. 

I cannot begin to tell you what I learned from that experience. When you are a single guy, without a relative within 1800 miles, you learn a lot about those who you call friends when all you have to depend on is those friends. More importantly, I learned a lot about myself. Life began to change an awful lot for me as a person beginning July 4, 2009.

It was July 4, 2015. I was throwing horseshoes down by the river with some friends in St. Cloud, MN. I had been out riding my Harley for most of the morning when a friend called and said that some people were hanging out there and I was welcome to join. Being on my motorcycle, I wasn’t looking to get too wild while that far from home, but a lot of fun was being had. We grilled some burgers & dogs, had a beer or two and then I got another call. My nephew Jorden called and said there was a party going on for the 4th at one of the lake houses across the bridge from our acreage. That seemed like a pretty good reason to move along for the day.

When I arrived, I knew a total of one person, my nephew Jorden. There were dozens of people there having fun, drinking, eating and enjoying the beautiful day. It was still light out and groups were taking turns going out on the boat. As one group would come back in, another group would replace them and away they would go. There was a sand volleyball court and the games seemed perpetual. I don’t know if they were even keeping score. As a people watcher, I saw so much happening, so many different conversations. To see so many people, having fun and enjoying the company of their friends and family was just fun. 

I hung around, engaging in conversation after conversation with so many people that I did not know and loved every minute of it. As the afternoon turned to evening and then night, I was being introduced as a friend to more people as they came and went. Then came the bonfire. The crowd was beginning to dwindle but the life-changing events were about to begin. It was shortly after that, to my surprise, that I met my wife…

I will save the rest of that story for another time, and perhaps another writing, but I write all that to say this. Throughout our lives, we will all experience our nightmares, fight our battles and battle our demons. The battles we face are mostly temporary. The battles others face are their own and mostly of a nature we know nothing about. For this reason, our default position should always be to just be kind. 

Our country was built upon an idea. A unique idea that all of us are created equal, with unalienable rights provided to us by our creator. Our freedoms require a certain amount of personal responsibility, but if embraced, those freedoms can lead to a dream of personal fulfillment and purpose the likes of which most people within human history could only imagine. We all might see this world in a different way but remember that the world around you is mostly what you make of it. Choose to see the world the way that you want it to be and make the world the world you want it to be. It starts with you. 

God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America! Happy Independence Day!

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