Tomorrow is Independence Day. And I have been thinking all day today about all the freedom I have in my life at this exact moment in time. I have had the fortunate luxury to live for my entire life in the land of the free and the home of the brave -- to enjoy the pleasure of a country that is defended by courageous and selfless service men and woman and where I have opportunities that area boundless. I have had for the past five a half years the glorious freedom to stay at home with my children -- and the freedom, thanks to my husband who works to support us all, to avoid an all-encompassing and potentially stressful career. And recently, I have been enjoying two new freedoms -- one thanks to my three-year-old son who decided that he could in fact use the potty which has afforded me the thrilling freedom from changing diapers, smelling diapers, buying diapers, storing diapers, carrying diapers. He is my youngest child and his major feat has truly set me free from a way of life that has lingered on and on. But even more liberating than this -- which still is huge in my book -- is my new freedom from an almost-two-year journey through cancer treatment. My last infusion of cancer-fighting drugs sailed through my veins last week and I am now free to live my days without constant medical intervention. It's a freedom not all cancer patients get. A freedom I have never known. A freedom I will not take for granted, will not ever forget, will not ever stop enjoying. And while I will give special consideration to my freedom on each Independence Day that follows this one, I will really feel grateful each and every day for the independence that fills my world. It's a gift I would never return, never trade, never discard. It's a gift of a lifetime.

During the warmer months, it's all about the barbeque. Of course, we have been known to barbeque during winter in the snow, but for the purpose and timing of this discussion, when it's summer in the northern hemisphere, almost everyone fires up the barbeque. Because research has suggested that barbequing meats can increase cancer risks associated with charred food, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute offers these tips to grilling red meats, poultry and fish safely:

• Choose lean cuts of meat. Trim excess fat and remove the skin.
• Avoid thick marinades, as they increase charring. Use thin marinades that have vinegar or lemon as one of the ingredients.
• Flip burgers once every minute.
• Place food at least six inches away from the heat source.
• Line the grill with perforated aluminum foil to prevent drippings from creating smoke.
• Cook on cedar planks. 
• Consider kabobs. They take less grilling time.
• Consider grilling your favorite vegetables instead of just meat.
  

These tips are followed with some common sense advice. If you avoid charring all the red meat, poultry and fish you barbeque, the expert nutritionists at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute state that your risk of getting cancer from grilling food is extremely low. According to the information, not eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a bigger risk factor for cancer than eating the occasional barbequed meats. I like common sense perspective.

We just had a family water balloon toss -- me, my husband, and our two little boys. Little hands helped fill tiny balloons that were tossed and fumbled and rolled all over our sidewalk and driveway. Our game resulted in wet clothing and wet hair and lots of laughs. And when we walked inside to prepare for dinner, Joey -- five years old -- said, fun is good for the body. I told him that he is so right -- fun is good for the body, And this one fact really needs no scientific proof or validation -- although I'm sure research is out there to support this simple truth. Fun is simply good for the body. And anyone who has felt the aftermath of fun knows what I mean. It sends good vibes through the body, it relieves stress, it refreshes and recharges, it lightens the load.

So try to incorporate some fun into your weekend -- organize your own water balloon toss, fly a kite, take a bike ride, go rock climbing or sailing or swimming. Whatever you choose, consider it a gift to your body. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate life. Celebrate Independence Day. Set yourself free and enjoy all the moments you have at your disposal. And if you like what you feel, try having fun every day.