Summertime: the smell of the B-B-Q, the roar of the holiday crowds at events across the land, family picnics and even the beach. It’s America’s annual birthday party and everyone is invited, but not everyone can attend the functions…because of brain injury the July 4th celebrations can be overwhelming, noisy, loud, even visually alarming. So don’t be discouraged if you are unable to attend a get together or if you need to turn down someone’s invitation. You may find on July 4th Holiday you feel depressed because of the circumstances that gave you the brain injury. No one can get you out of the funk in your head and the need for feeling/talking the blues but you…so you may want to talk with a nurse, therapist, doctor, or chaplain. Don’t let the holidays rule your life, let yourself rule your own life. Take charge in a positive way in July and join the celebrations on PBS (public broadcasting system) for good events or the radio has programs to celebrate the July 4th--talk shows or music. The history of July 4th--Independence Day--isn’t based on a loud get together, but by the monumental details of good men and woman or by one strong act of courage after another to form the American history we have today. The fourth of July can be just as moving by reading the documents that made our country different from other countries. Documents such as the Magna Carta inspired the founding fathers to declare their needs and desires in written form. The Declaration of Independence is wonderful reading, as well as, the Constitution of the United States of America. After you have looked over or read those, another important document is George Washington’s Farewell Address, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, The Emancipation Proclamation, the words to The Star Spangled Banner and The Pledge of Allegiance. Many of the local libraries can set things aside for you to pick up or the local library may even have a delivery service. Music is available on the radio, or the internet for downloading. A favorite is: http://www.wilstar.com/holidays/july4.htm (end)