07/03/2026
I'm looking at this Dodge sign yesterday in our friends garage hoping to buy it when I hear fireworks go off across the street. It spooked him enough he jumped and let out a little "aah!" We both laughed... the first time. The second time, I didn't. The third time he reached out and grabbed my arm. I asked him if his reaction was because of his military service and he said it was. I told him I would pray for him. He thanked me and said, "it's not a big deal, I just cant believe its happening at 80 years old."
I know so little for sure anymore, but this moment reminded me of a few things I do know:
-The freedom we celebrate this weekend was bought for a price.
-Your Body Keeps the Score.
-Trauma can't tell time.
If a synapse in your brain connects an image, smell or sound with a severe moment of pain or grief, it doesn't matter how tough you are, your body is going to go into fight or flight mode when it sees that thing or hears that thing. Sometimes it's an explosion, other times its a common smell that had nothing to do with what happened. It doesn't matter how long it's been. Once that connection is made, it's made, until it's confronted and healed, and that war is often just as challenging as the first.
I think our friend, who answered the call to defend this freedom we celebrate, would tell you to light the sky on fire this Independence Day! So would we, but if you know a veteran, maybe check on them this weekend. Maybe say a prayer for them, maybe say Thank you.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/crisis_help.asp
Happy Independence Day!
