Food grilling, people laughing and fireworks at dusk. The Fourth of July gives Americans a reason for celebration, but our freedom comes with the responsibility to follow the laws.
It is wise to make precautions before drinking alcohol. Take advice from someone who knows. I am 34 years old, and a drunken driver hit me head-on in April 1992 when I was 16.
I was in a coma and paralyzed with multiple broken and dislocated bones for almost four months. No fireworks for me.
After months of therapy, surgery and inner-strength, I could walk and talk again. My hearing ability is damaged due to my brain injury, but that cannot prevent me from speaking up.
I proudly stand tall with the California Highway Patrol advising drinkers to designate a sober driver. Realize this may save your life, reputation and bank account. You can’t beat that!
For those unwilling to designate a driver, do not have any alcohol at least two hours before you drive. Do not guzzle down alcoholic drinks. Sip, eat much and laugh the holiday away. Satisfy your thirst with water. Alcohol makes you thirsty, which is the last thing you want.
Follow America’s laws to value the freedom of our country.
hope you are ok, dude down the street.
I'm afraid for my kids to grow up now. There are so many idiots out there these days. We are not their friends. We are their parents for Pete's sake. Start acting like it.
Yes Lori, follow America's laws to value the freedom of our country. I love it. Thank you for sharing your story and bless you!
To the sober drivers, keep alert for other drunk drivers.
For those who decide to drink, please have a designated driver, or call taxi.
No one, I believe, would want to end their holiday merry making into a nightmare, maybe for life.
Good luck, drink smart and make good decisions.
CN
I don't do much with my life since I don't have time to do everything at once. Isn't that like most people? I feel distant from friendships and relationships, but I am glad I hear comments (from you, adn CHP gave a Certificate of Commendation in 2009, for example) that what I am doing is useful. It does not help one person, but helps MANY. Lives are saved.
That means a lot to me cause it makes me aware what I am doing is helping others. Get what I mean? I hope many party goers read this letter to the editor and only sober drivers will be on the roads.
Several of my friends and co-workers have told me how much they appreciate your efforts, and always have their kids read your letters. So that's what I mean by don't you dare ever give up, if this is what I'm hearing in my little world, I hope that helps you realize that you are making a difference for many.
Very cute on Poppy's nails, I have a good friend who has five Chihuahua's and this weekend her daughter is having their nails painted red, white & blue.
Nice you remember good ol' Poppy. Guess what? I painted her paw nails pink! Red would be too hard to see. It's all for 4th of July.
Doing these letters and taking your time to talk to the high school students during prom time is providing a great service for our community, for which all of us owe you big thank you.
Don't you dare ever give up, we need you. Have a safe Fourth and give Poppy a hug for me.
Lori