I hope this finds you well as we enter the beginning of the 2021 Summer Season this Memorial Day Weekend as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Many people recognize the red poppy as a symbol of Memorial Day, but were you aware of how that came to be? During World War One a field surgeon named Colonel John McRae noticed how the tiny red flowers would sprout up in barren fields after a battle, a symbol of resilience. After one particularly horrific battle in Belgium, Colonel McRae penned the famed poem, "In Flanders Field" that references the poppy and it soon became part of public consciousness that persists to this day. While on the topic of those who served, I also wanted to do my little part in raising awareness about veterans in our communities who are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress or PTS* Some years back here in New Jersey, common class C fireworks were legalized, which is fine if they are used safely. However, please be mindful that setting them off at random times during the day or night might trigger panic in someone with PTS. Make an effort to know if someone in your neighborhood might be susceptible and consider confining fireworks use to July 4th and other appropriate times when people with PTS (or nervous pets) know to take proper precautions. That's it for this time. I am always interested in your questions, comments, or progress reports. Either reply to this email or call/text me at (732) 714-7040
P.S. I refuse to consider people with Post-Traumatic Stress as having a "disorder." It's insulting and implies weakness which is just not true. It's a perfectly understandable response to a terrible situation and should be recognized as such. Also, I have helped people reduce the distress associated with upsetting memories with something called the Rewind Technique, connect if you would like to learn more.