4th of July and fireworks

As our Nation's Birthday approaches, there's probably some thought of buying some fireworks to shoot off in the back yard.  Some of you may remember I posted back in November that my 25 year old son lost his right hand playing with fireworks. (Artillery type rocket).  I have since heard of several awful accidents with these types of fireworks, a college student lost most of his left arm and had to have his left ear rebuilt when it blew up with his left hand down the tube, and someone told me about another person that had one blow up while he was holding it in front of his stomach (not sure of the injury caused, but it can't have been good).  My son was holding the bottom of the tube when it blew up, right hand was not able to be saved, he had it amputated at the wrist. 

Here's the update on how he is doing... It has been life changing for him, and even now he has a lot of anger and frustration at things he used to be able to do and cannot (playing video games is a big one, as is riding his dirt bike).  He finally was able to go back to work, but not in the field he was working in (auto body repair), and he hates it and is having a hard time finding other work.  At least he has a job!   His high tech prosthetic has just arrived, and he will be learning how to use it.  In the meantime, we went out to eat yesterday and he was able to serve himself at a buffet, and cut his own meat, all with one hand.  His handwriting with his left hand is as good as it was with his right!  He seems to be in good spirits, and at least he still has his sense of humor.... but it has been a hard road for all of us.

So if you are playing with fireworks this 4th of July, Please, Please, PLEASE be careful... I would not wish this fate on anyone... it has affected not only my son, but everyone around him.  I still have moments when it hits me hard and I tear up and want to cry...