Fourth of July is fast approaching where we celebrate the birth of our United States. We have picnics, gather with family and friends and watch fireworks boom and sizzle.

I shared with the Assisted Living residents last Sunday evening a couple of stories about our Forefathers Wayne Dyer told in one of his lectures. Please allow me to paraphrase and share these stories with you:

It was the year 1826 and Thomas Jefferson lay on his bed at Monticello near death. His aid comes in and asks him, “How are you?”

Jefferson asks, “What day is it?” The aid said, “It’s the 4th of July, Mr. President, exactly 50 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.” With that, Jefferson said, “Adams lives” and closed his eyes and died.

Meanwhile in Massachusetts, Adams also lay ill and asks his aid, “What day is it?” He is told it is July 4th exactly 50 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Like Jefferson, he said, “Jefferson lives” and closed his eyes and passed away.

When have you ever heard of two U.S. Presidents dying in the same year let alone in the same day within hours of each other? Here are two Presidents who played such an important role in the conception and creation of one of the most sacred and honored documents declaring freedom for its people.

It wasn’t a popular thing to be doing at the time…challenging the most powerful country in the world, Great Britain. If the Revolutionary War had turned out differently our Forefathers would have most likely been executed as traitors. In signing that document it could have very well meant death.

Fast forward four score and seven years to 1865 and we find our nation engaged in a terrible Civil War. There is a prominent and popular Shakespearean actor in Washington, D.C., world renown, who has just heard the devastating news that President Lincoln had been assassinated at Ford Theatre at the hand of his brother, Thomas Wilkes Booth.

Edwin Booth goes into deep despair and depression. He doesn’t want to talk to anyone and is living, but just barely, with very little interest in acting anymore.

Years later, he finds himself in Philadelphia on the platform awaiting a train. Just as the train approaches someone pushes a young lad off into the oncoming train. He jumps down and hurls the boy out of the way of the train just in time saving the boy’s life. A few days later, he gets a letter from Mary Lincoln thanking him for saving the President’s son. Edwin Booth resumes his career.

This country and many countries have been blessed with people who’ve had visions and a love for freedom and one another. There are Forces that have kept this country strong and sure and it feels good to remember those who have gone before and paved the way for the beautiful gift of freedom.

I hope you enjoy your 4th this year. In the midst of the BBQ’s and fireworks, please take a moment and remember the many things we enjoy giving thanks to those who have served and are continuing to serve this country and countries all over the world to keep us safe and free.

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