Happy birthday to the USA! July 4th is one of those holidays that holds a special place in my heart. I love the United States—I truly am proud to say that I am a patriot. I’m not sure where this stems from. I joke and say that in a former life, I most likely was one of our founding fathers and I was there to sign the Declaration of Independence. I loved American history in school, and I’ve always been one of those people who tear up when the National Anthem plays at the beginning of football games. The 4th gives us all a chance to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for in our country.

This July 4th, my children and I will celebrate the holiday with my extended family. My sister, Pam, will come here from Oregon with her entire family, and my other sister, Patte, will travel here with her husband as well. My three brothers live here, so it will be quite the family reunion. This year, the focus will be on celebrating my Aunt Bea’s 90th birthday. We’re going to have a party for her! Aunt Bea is my mother’s sister. My mother passed away in 1993, so Bea holds a special place in my heart as a “surrogate mother.” I often see my mother in Aunt Bea—she has the same wonderful spirit and great eyes. Happy Birthday Aunt Bea!

It will be great to have everyone around, as this will be the first 4th of July since my husband, Jim, passed. Everyone keeps asking me, “How are you doing?” I explain that I keep extremely busy with family, friends, and my work at Women’s Edition. I miss my husband, but I also know that he is now in a wonderful place of peace and joy. I was so blessed to have him in my life for 35 years—I am a very fortunate person. With my family members’ and friends’ help, I will make it through it all.

This 4th of July, enjoy all of your friends and family—and the fireworks! Let’s all make it a point to realize what spectacular lives we all have here in the good old USA. Enjoy the holiday. We’ll talk next month.

Special Notice

Women’s Edition is Seeking Distribution Help. Are you a stay-at-home mom who would like to get out once in a while, get a little exercise—and make great money? We are looking for help with our distribution of Women’s Edition—one to two days a month. If you have a reliable vehicle, feel comfortable walking into multiple types of businesses, and know how to smile and enjoy yourself, this is a perfect job for you. Call Roxy at 397-0732. This position also works well for college students and retirees.

Special Notes

Lindley Clothing is once again having their spectacular summer sale! It begins Thursday, June 25th. See their ad on page 13 for details. — Downtown Fremont is having their Annual Sidewalk Sale July 25th & 26th. Nancy’s Boutique will be participating. See their ad on page 60. While you are out there, it’s a great opportunity to check out J’s Steakhouse and try some of the great wines they offer. Their ad is on page 13. — Diane Estes of Women’s Therapy and Learning Center has started taking registrations for her Fall Workshop Series. This series is intended to help us appreciate and make the most out of our lives. This thought-provoking series has limited space, so see her ad on page 41 for details. — Are you or someone you know looking for a new career? Consider joining the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. See their ad on page 47. — All Creatures Veterinary is now offering grooming services. See their ad on page 58 for more information. — Jody Pedersen, APRN, has recently joined Robert A. Beer, MD, at West Omaha Family Physicians. See their ad on page 35 for details. — Plan a fun night out this July by attending our wonderful Omaha Community Playhouse. They have two great plays running right now—the hilarious “Late Nite Catechism” and “Always…Patsy Cline.” This is a great idea for ladies’ night out. See their ad on page 1 for ticket information.

Positive Thought of the Month

“America is much more than a geographical fact.
It is a political and moral fact—the first community
in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality.”
—Adlai Stevenson