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Life Changed in Seconds... Twice By Jodee Enfield People often say life can change in the blink of an eye. I never imagined it would happen to me twice. My name is Jodee Enfield. I'm a wife, a mom to an amazing 11-year-old son named AJ, and I've lived in Inver Grove Heights for most of my life. In 2020, I was involved in a devastating car accident that left me with a traumatic brain injury and a shattered femur. I spent months learning how to walk again and trying to rebuild a life that suddenly looked nothing like the one I had before. It wasn't easy, but I kept going because that's what moms do. Over the years, I faced more challenges, including being diagnosed with lupus. There were many days I wanted to give up, but every time I looked at my son, I found another reason to keep fighting. Just when it felt like life was finally settling down, everything changed again. On May 12, 2026, I was involved in another serious car accident. I suffered three broken ribs and injured the same leg that was shattered in 2020. The damage was severe enough that I now need another surgery. Hearing those words brought back every fear I thought I had left behind. Since the accident, even the simplest things have become difficult. Walking across the room hurts. Taking a shower takes planning. Cooking dinner, doing laundry, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, and driving are things I used to do without thinking. Now they are daily reminders of how quickly life can change. My husband, Aaron, made the difficult decision to leave his job so he could stay home and care for me and our son. Losing an income while dealing with medical bills and everyday expenses has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. Like many families, we never imagined we would need to ask for help. Starting a GoFundMe was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. I've started it, deleted it, rewritten it, and questioned it more times than I can count. Asking for help doesn't come naturally to me, but sometimes life humbles you in ways you never expect. The response from our community has reminded me that kindness still exists. Friends, neighbors, strangers, and people who only know us through social media have reached out with donations, prayers, encouraging messages, and support. Every act of kindness reminds us that we are not facing this alone. My son and I also started a small online business called Second Story Finds. He actually came up with the name after we lost my sister in the Skyline Village fire. He believed everything deserves a second chance, and I think people do too. What started as something fun for us has now become another way we're trying to help our family get through this difficult season. There is one more thing I wanted to share. Before my accident in 2020, writing was something I loved. It came naturally to me. After my traumatic brain injury, that changed. Finding the right words became frustrating. I would lose my train of thought halfway through a sentence or stare at a blank page wondering where to begin. This article took me a few weeks to write. There were days when I wrote a few sentences and had to stop because my brain simply wouldn't cooperate. Spell check became my best friend, and my husband helped me fix a few things along the way. But these are my words. This is the longest thing I've written since my traumatic brain injury in 2020, and I couldn't be more proud of it. It isn't perfect, but neither is life. It's honest. It's real. It's my family's story. I'm not sharing our story because I want people to feel sorry for us. I'm sharing it because behind every fundraiser, every community meal train, every online auction, and every request for help is a real family doing everything they can to hold on. You never know what someone is carrying or how much a small act of kindness can mean. We still have a long road ahead. There will be surgery, more therapy, more healing, and more uncertainty. But there will also be hope. If sharing our story helps even one person feel less alone, encourages someone to ask for help when they need it, or inspires someone to show kindness to another family going through a difficult time, then every word I struggled to write was worth it. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Jodee EnfieldInver Grove Heights, Minnesota

Local Event: A families story asking for help 

Dakota County

Inver Grove Heights

Minnesota

A families story asking for help 

Life Changed in Seconds... Twice By Jodee Enfield People often say life can change in the blink of an eye. I never imagined it...

On July 3rd, United Heroes League is hosting a Heroes Freedom Concert for a night to honor our veterans, military families and community heroes. The event is open to all ages and there will be food and drinks. Local bands will be playing such as Basic and Boring and also Boogie Wonderland. Tickets will be $10 until June 20th, and they will go up to $15 starting June 21st. This concert will be at 2800 Ravenna Trail, Hastings Minnesota.&nbsp;

Local Event: Heroes Freedom Concert

Hastings

Heroes Freedom Concert

On July 3rd, United Heroes League is hosting a Heroes Freedom Concert for a night to honor our veterans, military families and...

Johnny Cake Ridge Park East

APPLE VALLEY, MN — Apple Valley’s Fourth of July fireworks are set for Saturday, July 4, as part of the city’s annual Freedom Days celebration.
The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East, 5800 140th St. W., according to Apple Valley Freedom Days organizers.
The July 4 schedule also includes an 8 a.m. Fun Run at Johnny Cake Ridge Park West, 14225 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, and an 11 a.m. Red, White and Barbecue event at American Legion Post 1776, 14521 Granada Drive.
Apple Valley’s Fourth of July parade will step off at 1 p.m. The pre-fireworks party is scheduled from 3 to 9:30 p.m. at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East.
The pre-fireworks event will include music, dancing, games, food vendors and a playground for kids. Woody is scheduled to perform from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Food trucks will close at 9 p.m. ahead of the fireworks show, according to organizers.
A fireworks rain date is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East.

Local Event: Apple Valley July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

Apple Valley-Rosemount

Apple Valley July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

APPLE VALLEY, MN — Apple Valley’s Fourth of July fireworks are set for Saturday, July 4, as part of the city’s annual Freedom...

EXCELSIOR, MN — Lake Minnetonka’s Fourth of July fireworks are set for Saturday, July 4, at Excelsior Commons.
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce hosts the only public Fourth of July fireworks event on Lake Minnetonka, according to organizers.
The celebration is expected to include a full day of activities in downtown Excelsior and along the lakefront, beginning early in the morning and lasting until after dark.
The Excelsior Firecracker Run is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Saturday, with 10K, 5K and 1-mile options. The race route will take runners through Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven and Greenwood.
The day’s schedule is also expected to include family activities, live music and food vendors at Excelsior Commons.
Fireworks are scheduled for 9:50 p.m. over Lake Minnetonka.
Visitors should check the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce website for the latest schedule, parking information and weather-related updates before heading out.

Local Event: Lake Minnetonka July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

Hennepin County

Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To...

EXCELSIOR, MN — Lake Minnetonka’s Fourth of July fireworks are set for Saturday, July 4, at Excelsior Commons.
The...

Lake Minnetonka July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

Water Works Park

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis' signature Fourth of July celebration will return to the downtown riverfront this summer.
Red, White &amp; BOOM! is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Water Works Park and along West River Parkway, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
The all-day event is expected to draw more than 50,000 people and will end with fireworks over the Mississippi River at 10 p.m.
The day will begin with the Run the Parks 5K and 2K Walk at 8 a.m., followed by outdoor yoga at Water Works Park at 10 a.m.
Food trucks are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. and serve along West River Parkway near Water Works Park. Additional food options will be available on the east riverfront near Main Street, according to organizers.
The afternoon schedule includes trivia from noon to 2 p.m., dance performances at Water Works Park and a 7:30 p.m. aerial performance by Unicorn Art Circus.
Sawyer's Dream, an Americana rock band, is scheduled to perform from 8 to 10 p.m. at Mill Ruins Park before the fireworks show.
West River Parkway will be closed from 11th Avenue South to Fourth Avenue North beginning at 10 a.m. The road is expected to reopen after pedestrian traffic clears, around 11 p.m., according to the Park Board.
Organizers said downtown parking will be limited and encouraged visitors to bike, walk or take transit. Free Metro Transit rides will be available to Red, White &amp; BOOM! from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Food and beverage sales will end at 9:45 p.m. Limited seating will be available, and visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe.

Local Event: Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks 2026: Red, White & BOOM! Returns

Minneapolis

Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks 2026: Red, White &...

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis' signature Fourth of July celebration will return to the downtown riverfront this summer.
Red,...

Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks 2026: Red, White & BOOM! Returns

M Health Fairview Sports Center

WOODBURY, MN — Woodbury's Fourth of July fireworks are back this year at M Health Fairview Sports Center.
The city's Fourth of July Hometown Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m., according to the city of Woodbury. The fireworks display is set to begin at 10 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and outdoor games. Families can also use Madison's Place playground and the outdoor splash pad, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to the city.
Entertainment will include The Silver Alchemist, bounce houses and the fireworks display.
Food trucks and concessions are also planned, including Hydration Shuttle, Original Hockey Mom Brownies, Thai Thai Street Food, Now That's Waffles, KCM Eggroll, Whiskey Creek BBQ, Big Ben's Kettle Corn, El Mexicano Grill, Matt's Bar Food Truck, Kona Ice and Taulelle Concessions.
M Health Fairview Sports Center is located south of Bailey Road and east of Radio Drive, next to East Ridge High School.
Motorists are encouraged to park in the sports center and East Ridge High School parking lots. Parking will not be allowed along Bailey Road, Radio Drive, Pioneer Drive or Hargis Parkway, according to the city.
Pedestrians should use all crosswalks.
The city said the celebration is planned to proceed in most weather conditions. However, the event may be delayed, modified or postponed in the event of severe weather, including thunderstorms, high winds or lightning.

Local Event: Woodbury July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

Southwest Minneapolis

Woodbury July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

WOODBURY, MN — Woodbury's Fourth of July fireworks are back this year at M Health Fairview Sports Center.
The city's Fourth of...

EAGAN, MN — Eagan’s July 4th Funfest will return this summer with fireworks, a parade, carnival rides and family activities.
The fireworks display is scheduled for 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Eagan Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, according to organizers.
The Fourth of July celebration will also include a 10 a.m. parade along Yankee Doodle Road between Blue Cross Road and Central Parkway.
Other July 4 events include an 11 a.m. kids dance at the Ambassador Stage and carnival activities beginning at 11 a.m. at the Eagan Festival Grounds.
Funfest events begin earlier in the week, including a carnival preview day from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and carnival activities beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, July 3.
Visitors should check the Eagan July 4th Funfest website for the latest schedule, parking information and weather-related updates before heading out.

Local Event: Eagan July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

Eagan

Eagan July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

EAGAN, MN — Eagan’s July 4th Funfest will return this summer with fireworks, a parade, carnival rides and family...

Veterans Park

RICHFIELD, MN — Richfield’s Fourth of July fireworks are set for Saturday, July 4, at Veterans Park.
The fireworks celebration is scheduled from 3 to 10:30 p.m., according to Richfield 4th of July organizers. Fireworks are set to begin at 10 p.m.
The celebration will include food, drinks, live music and a fireworks display. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and bring a chair or blanket.
Veterans Park is located at 6335 Portland Ave. in Richfield.
The fireworks celebration is part of Richfield’s annual Fourth of July festival, which also includes a parade, live music, food trucks and other community events.

Local Event: Richfield July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

Richfield

Richfield July 4 Fireworks 2026: What To Know

RICHFIELD, MN — Richfield’s Fourth of July fireworks are set for Saturday, July 4, at Veterans Park.
The fireworks celebration...

Minneapolis Metropolitan Area

Mendota Heights

Washington County

Woodbury

Ramsey County

Saint Paul

Burnsville

Oakdale

Lakeville

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Cottage Grove

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We recommend our FREE consultation to get the best match for you and your mental health needs. If you are looking for a therapist you can trust who...

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Events and Things to Do in Inver Grove Heights, MN

Friday, July 3

Heroes Freedom Concert

JUL

3

6:00 PM

2800 Ravenna Trail, Hastings, MN

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Sunday, June 28

Friday, July 3

Saturday, July 4

Heroes Freedom Concert

K-Beauty Xperience MedSpa

Panoramic Perspectives Therapy and Training PA