Today we celebrate our nation's 248th birthday! What a privilege it is to live in a free country and have a day dedicated to rest, relaxation, & enjoying some barbecue with loved ones.
I've always looked forward to celebrating the Fourth of July. Growing up in Lawndale, California, it was legal to light off fireworks in our neighborhood. As soon as it got dark, our neighborhood transformed into a war zone with smoke everywhere. I remember one year when a bottle rocket landed in our front yard's palm tree, setting it on fire. Fortunately, we had eager family wannabe firefighters who sprung into action, grabbing their garden hoses and dousing the flames before a wildfire spread.
Since moving to Florida, our Fourth of July celebrations have taken on new forms. This year, we plan on spending the morning at the beach as a family, enjoying an afternoon pool party with friends, and ending the day at Roger Dean Stadium for a baseball game and fireworks show.
We look forward to all the action and festivities today, which will be much different than how we spent it the other evening when I took the kids fishing at the beach during sunset.
During that time, my 10-year-old son hooked a monster Crevalle Jack fish. We both held on as it tried to spool us, zipping out the drag. After a relentless 30-minute battle, it finally exhausted itself, and we were able to land it on shore. My son was ecstatic, and we took a bunch of photos. However, by the time we tried to release it, the fish had lost its zest for life and went belly up. It was literally a fight to the death.
Almost 250 years ago-there was a true fight to the death that forged the birth of the United States of America. True freedom is never cheap; there is always a price to pay. Whether it's the freedom we enjoy in this nation, the freedom to enjoy good health, or the freedom to live each day fully, sacrifices are necessary to preserve these liberties.
As we celebrate today, let's remember the price that has been paid for our freedoms and think about the steps we can take to maintain and protect them. Just as our nation's liberty requires dedication and perseverance, maintaining our personal health requires the same commitment. By leading proactive lives, we can enjoy the blessings of vitality and well-being.
Enjoy your day with family and friends, cherish your freedoms, and consider how you can safeguard and enhance the liberties you value today.
Wishing you a memorable, safe, and healthy Fourth of July!
Dr. Derek 'Jacked to celebrate the 4th' Taylor
