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 Notes

Broken capillaries, sun spots, bumps under the eye—oh my! Robin at AquaEsthetics offers a quick technique that she says is more precise than laser treatments in addressing these areas. She is also offering customized facials for $49. See her ad on page 8 and call for a free skin consultation. — Henry D. Wu, MD, LAc, Dipl.CH has over 24 years of experience healing individuals through acupuncture and Chinese medicine. If you are seeking a natural way to health, Dr. Wu is offering free consultations. See Oriental Art of Healing’s ad ad on page 27 and read more about how Dr. Wu can help you on page 20. — Are you thinking about divorce? Prendergast & Associates, PC can help. Mr. Prendergast has 25 years of experience in simple and complex family law. Domestic violence, restraining orders and child custody are just some of the issues he covers when fighting on your behalf. See his ad on page 1. — When the time comes to consider hospice care for your loved one, you want the very best care in this time of need. Colorado Community Hospice can help. See their ad on page 1. — Dr. Andre L. Reed of BioAesthetics would like to invite you to schedule a free consultation. BioAesthetics uses a skin analyzer to accurately assess the current health condition of your skin. Together you will create an individualized therapeutic plan that will assist in reaching your skin care goals. Dr. Reed also offers a full range of spa services. Prepare yourself now to show off beautiful skin this summer! See BioAesthetics ad on page 10. — Looking for free family entertainment? Denver Parks & Recreation department are hosting Movies in the Park. There are ten family-friendly movies scheduled all summer long to encourage people to get out, enjoy their parks and the beautiful summer weather in Colorado. Each movie includes free popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy! For details go to: www.denvergov.org/parksandrec.

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