Why I Loathe Fireworks: A Heart Patient’s Plea for Sanity on the Fourth of July

Fireworks and Chronic Illness: Can We Please Not?

Ah, the Fourth of July. America’s loudest and most sulfur-scented holiday. Cue the BBQs, over-sugared drinks, sweaty family gatherings, and—of course—the grand finale: fireworks. Or, as I like to call them, Explosions for the Easily Entertained.

Now before you clutch your patriotic pearls, hear me out.

I’m not against celebration. I’m a private chef, so I will absolutely show up with grilled peaches and the best damn potato salad you’ve ever had. But once the sun goes down and the “bombs bursting in air” start going off like we’re in a war zone? Yeah, I’m done.

I’ve never liked loud noises. Blame it on my noise sensitivity, or the fact that I have heart failure and sarcoidosis and my nervous system already runs on high alert. Loud, sudden bangs are not just annoying—they’re triggering. Literally. One of my implanted devices once got “concerned” during a neighbor’s fireworks. That’s not a party. That’s a panic attack.

But it’s not just about me. Wildlife freaks out. Pets hide under beds. Veterans with PTSD suffer. And let’s not forget the delightful addition of sulphur-smoke clouds rolling into your open windows at bedtime like it’s a Civil War reenactment.

Honestly, what are we doing? Watching the same pyrotechnic show every year and pretending it’s exciting? If I made the same dinner every Fourth of July—like, identical every time—people would side-eye me. But fireworks? Those get a pass?

Can we talk about drone shows? You know, those cool, quiet, infinitely programmable sky ballets that don’t send dogs into therapy or asthmatics into flair-ups? We have the technology. Let’s use it.

I get it. The world isn’t going to ditch fireworks tomorrow. But maybe, just maybe, we can start asking why we’re so addicted to noise, and who it’s really serving.

Until then, I’ll be inside with my noise-canceling headphones, a side of grilled corn, and an eye-roll aimed squarely at the sulfur cloud hanging over my house.

Your Turn:

Do fireworks set off more than just patriotic feelings for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments, especially if you’re living with a chronic illness, or just tired of the noise. And if you want more posts like this—equal parts real talk and roasted sarcasm—go ahead and subscribe. Let’s survive the noise together.