Now THIS is what it's all about.

They said Independence Day is all about celebrating our country's independence, to enjoy our freedom and of course, spend time enjoying the food, beer/drinks, and fireworks. Some of us do more than hold the excitement of fireworks and the drool from the smell of burgers coming off the grill. We think about our family, siblings, and friends both past and present that make all this freedom possible.

So before I go on about my 4th of July, let's remember and think of all those who made of this all possible.

The men that stood up to well trained British troops despite others criticism for being "untrained".

The men who are willing to fight their own brothers just to stand up for what they believe in.

The men who are willing to fight for those oppressed by Spanish rule. So, they can feel the freedom we feel. So they can have the freedom they deserve.

The men who fought for what their country believe in, even if it's on foreign soil.

The men who stood weeks and even months in ankle deep trench waters so their wives, children, sisters, brothers, and more would be safe at home.

The men who remembered their brothers lost at sea and who believed in standing up for freedom and more.

The men who fought to keep the line of freedom strong and firm.

The men who fought along side their brothers. And when it seems like the whole country is against them, they stood by each other, in arms and hearts.

Those who stood in the sand and saw the smoke filled sky but stood their ground.

The men who hold their love ones close but their battle buddies closer. Who have no idea when they will be rescued but hold their faith above ground.

Those who set out to a country with heated weather to fight for what's right.

Those who fight but most of the time forgotten. We remember their strength and will to fight on.

And now, we remember and hold forever in our thoughts and prayers those that are on the new offensive. May they stay strong and safe.

Now, my 4th. I'm glad that Dad is home and hope that others will return home safely. Though our tradition is to sit around the backyard grilling, playing, and eventually watch the fireworks. This year, we got a different plan. Since Sean can not leave the hospital, my parents and I decided to bring the party to him. We sat around playing board games, watching movies, and even laugh at jokes. And it's as of it all were just right, Dad found out there's a Fourth of July Spectacular just short 4 miles away from the hospital. Another good thing was, it was sponsored by the Children's Hospital and from Sean's window, you could see it all.

So while we sat around with Chinese food (sneaked in by my parents, courtesy of the nurses pretending they didn't see a thing) we looked out the window for a "private" viewing of the fireworks. To see that look in Sean's eyes and hear the "cool!" coming out of his mouth, it's a good day indeed.

It was expected that Sean fell asleep before the fireworks end so the three of us went out to the garden and talked. I think we talked about anything from school to Sean to the new baby. And somehow, I couldn't remember last time the three of us sat down to talk and maybe when it happens next, there will be four of us. It was a plain 4th of July but it was also a great 4th of July. I couldn't ask for more.

If you guys can read this, Uncle Josh and Aunt Becca, Sean's doing ok, going strong like you both are. Be safe, say hi to the guys for us, and can't wait till you both come home.

P.S. If you can name which era the pictures are from, props to you!

Knuckles Tip #4 Part 2- Moving Day Cont.

Hopefully by now, you’re done packing. If not, why are you here reading this tip, go back. Oh a break…seeing what’s next? Ah I see, fine then, read on.

Tip #4 Part 2
For Adults/older teens: Moving Day Cont.
For kids/younger teens: Before the "Are we there yet?"

HELP WHEN YOU CAN.

Since your parents have decided to tackle this move by themselves (the adults call it DITY/Personally Procured Move) that's going to mean a lot of time to either tone up on your muscles or make your arms and shoulders sore for the next day or more. In that case, remember, ice is your friend. Now, hopefully you did a fair job at packing, your boxes are labeled and the room is pretty much ready to go.

So what now? Listen to your parents, if you got a pair of arms (or a lap like me) most likely your parents will want you to help one way or another. Because like my Mom used to say "Those boxes don't move themselves!" but wouldn't that be great? So listen to your parents on which boxes needs to be in the U-Haul trucks and which needs to be going either along the ride with you or in the U-Haul later. They're your parents, think, by now they got enough experience to know how to pack things and which order would be important. So while they might be nagging at you to get the boxes and items out of the house, they know what they're doing, trust me.

So do the packing, listen to your parents and yes, it's ok to ask for breaks. But hey think about this, by the time you're done with all this stuff, you can show off your guns to the ladies. (Or...not? haha)

To the parents: The typical move can be really stressful even though you probably don't want to show it to us. Let us help out a little or a lot, just not going nuts with the nagging and yelling, right?

If your kids are younger, let us help. The "oh that might be too heavy for you" might be true but even the simplest boxes can excite us, after all, it's our move right?

If your kids are young teen/teen: Like I said before, there's work done and a lot more can be done with less talk, right? Let us work our muscles and things will turn out fine, don't worry, no stress. It'll all be good. All good.

Until next time, hug your parents and tell them you love them then get moving, get the boxes in the truck means less yelling, nagging or whatever your parents do when they're stressed. Have fun gaining those muscles and remember, ice are your friends.


Next Tip: Knuckles Tip #5- Driving to your new Post or Knuckles Tip #5 Part 2- Flying to your new post

"Nightmares are dreams gone sour."

The day I saw that Honda commercial, I laughed. They talked about dreams and nightmares about how each of us can use the power of dreams to envision the world and how they at Honda all dream that what they do will make the future generations a better place. Some doctor and author named Deepak Chopra, M.D. said, "Dream by in large are the expression of the human spirit for creativity and imagination. Nightmares are dreams that have gone sour."

When I heard it the first time, I laugh, chuckled and said out loud. "No shit, Sherlock!" And this morning, waking up short breathed, cold head, and small amount of sweat on my head, I'm starting to think about my sour dream. Of which, I might add, have been getting for years now. In fact there's a lot of things that's been happening for awhile but that's for me to keep secret, for now.

I like dreams, I like to dream about the what ifs and a lot of the times, the dreams make me a lot happier before I went to bed. But even a good dream can make waking up a dread and make the morning coffee smell like a piece of ass. When I was a kid, I'd used to dream of being a firefighter, putting out fires like my uncles would do. I even dream of being just like my dad, jumping out of airplanes and fight the bad guys.

As I got older, I started to visualize what I'd want to do. Playing football for Ohio State or even Florida and even who knows, the Cowboys. In my dreams I'd be catching a big one and score that key winning touchdown.

And without knowing it, my dreams gone sour, real fast.

The dream I remember wasn't just a dream, it was also my past. (So call it whatever you want, but I'll just call it a nightmare) Dream started out great, the sun was shining and it was another day of my life. My life of putting the pads on my shoulders and get out on the field to do what I do best. Dad was home on his leave and for once, this was going to be a great day. And boom, like that, it turned sour.

I could hear the crowd gasping, I could hear my teammates calling my name and I could hear the loud-speakers notifying that unless you are family, you need to remain in your seat. And like a recording, I can hear my trainer yelling repeatedly, "squeeze my hand" but like a dead weight I lay there, nothing.

I woke up to my hearing my own heavy breathing, my eyes staring at the ceiling of Sean's room, my arms shaking. "Nightmares are dreams gone sour." Dr. Chopra said, and I believe that now, strongly.

Faith have a funny way of working things out. Just a year after my injury, Buffalo Bills' Kevin Everett was hurt on the field. I remember sitting in my chair thinking, "Oh no" while staring at this

Everett on September 9th, 2007

and a year later, looking at the same Everett, I wonder if this nightmare turn sweet again, ever. I wonder if people realize not all of us are as lucky as Everett but still, we live on because we're lucky. We're lucky to be alive.

Everett on September 7, 2008

Dreams, my friends, are creativity and imagination. So dream on, people, dream on.

Knuckles Tip #4- Moving Day

Hopefully by now, you're done packing. If not, why are you here reading this tip, go back. Oh a break...seeing what's next? Ah I see, fine then, read on.

Tip #4
For Adults/older teens: Moving Day Part 1
For kids/younger teens: Movers are here! Cool big truck!

HELP BUT DON'T OVERDO.

Since your parents have decided to have movers help with this move, there really isn't anything much you can do other than try to do whatever your parents tell you at this point. If you did a good job packing, your boxes are labeled and the room is pretty much empty and clean.

So what now? While your parents are busy making sure the movers are doing everything they want them to do, try to help out your parents. There might be last minute errands they need you to run or things to do around the house. Or even watch your little siblings for awhile so they won't be a distraction. Really no matter what, do your best to stay out of the movers way.

Friendly movers!

Another thing, ya they're movers and strangers but they're there to help you, so really, try and be nice to them alright? It's ok to look or laugh or talk to them once awhile but remember their job is to put everything in the house onto those huge movers truck. They're people too, be nice to them don't taught them that much or maybe buy them some coffee or something, ice tea would be good too.

Key is to stay away and don't get in the way. If you get hit by the couch or something...don't blame it on them, it's your fault.

To the parents: Yes, you're probably going nuts watching the movers but remember we want to feel somewhat important so...give us a job or two eh? It'd be something to keep us occupied and not to mention staying out of your way.

If your kids are younger, encourage them to try and help with the little things like "help" watch the movers or even help you check off that long check list you have. Anything to make us feel important, remember, but as soon as we get that annoyed look on our eyes. Let us go play with our friends for awhile, come on, we're moving, loosen up.

If your kids are young teen/teen: We might seem annoyed and want to text our friends all day but it won't hurt have us to some things around the house. Just not too many things alright, that annoys a lot of us. And breathe, parents, it'll be alright, remember you got a teen in the house? Ha, yes you probably don't think that was funny. Really though, have us run errands or I don't know coffee, anything to get us in the car and away from the house and movers for awhile. Simple right?

Until next time, hug your parents and tell them you love them then get out of the way, there are movers moving in and out of the house constantly. Go watch your little siblings or something.

Or...coffee run! You're parents will be thankful, hopefully.

Next tip: Knuckles Tip #4 Part 2- Moving Day Cont.

Think of them. Pray for them. Thank them.

Starting off this blog with something nerdy. The "real" Independence Day was actually on the 2nd when the Second Continental Congress approve of the independence from England. And to those who believe that the Declaration was signed on the 4th, think again, it was actually signed by most of the delegates on the 2nd of August. Bet you didn't know that.

Now onto more serious stuff.

After reading my friend Tucker's blog, I can feel her pain, her anger, and even that antsy feeling. Just a couple days ago, if you didn't know, US troops were pulled out of major Iraqi cities. And all of the sudden, it seems like everyone is celebrating. All of the sudden, it feels like the civilian friends and people I meet online are asking me, "Does that mean the troops will be coming home?" And just like Tucker said, no it doesn't. So please, stop asking.

Right now, at this moment, there are family, friends, and more doing what they do and proud of what they do. I think a lot of the people out there need to step back and truly look at the big picture. Like years ago, when I tell people "My Dad's deployed" first thing they ask is, "Iraq?" The ignorance, sometimes angers me and pisses me off but sometimes make me laugh, how could people be so stupid. Step back and think, step back and acknowledge the troops fighting beyond Iraq and especially right now, with the new offensive to Afghanistan, think about the troops world wide.

As I finish up Tucker's blog, really I feel what she feel because that's what I used to feel just weeks ago. I know, that even though my Dad's home right now laughing and joking around with us, he could be gone the next minute and I would probably never know it. I know right now, there are parents wishing they can be with their children, husband wishing they could be with their wives, and so much more. Think of them when you see the fireworks this weekend and really think of them. That much you can do.

Late night last night, Sean woke up from a nightmare. He immediately climbed up on my lap, looked me sharply in the eyes and yelled. "Daddy's ok right right?!?" I have never heard him yell like that before. I have never seen him that serious before. And though I reassured him it was only a nightmare, it scares me. His action made me think of my uncle and the plenty of Marines/Soldiers going out on this offensive in Afghanistan. And all of the sudden, I feel helpless, scared, and everything all together.

The news scares me, the unknown scares me and even the report of that KIA soldier from 10th Mountain Division scares me. Every song I'm listening to on Pandora reminds me of our troops out there, every show on TV (even the Wiggles) reminds me of that KIA Marine. I pray for everyone's safety, the safety of my friends, my family, and every pair of boots out there.

Think of all of them this Independence Day. Keep them in your thoughts/prayers.

For the troops over the pond: Keep your head down. We are all thinking of you this 4th.

God Speed.
Good Luck and Good Huntin'
HOOAH