Thank you all now for participating in "The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving." When you sign the Mr. Linky please be sure to link the your specific post and not your main blog page. Don't forget to visit everyone else's posts! Let's have fun giving thanks!
A co-worker of mine returned from an 11 day cruise last week. On her first day back to work she was discussing her trip, including visiting Aruba, private islands and other beautiful Caribbean lands. But those are not the things that stood out to me when she told her story. As she and her husband were boarding their luxury cruise ship, a naval ship was docked beside their boat. As they passed by they saw a mother and father hugging, crying and telling their young 19-20 year old son goodbye as he was being shipped out for service. She said it brought tears to her eyes to think about him leaving his comfort to protect her as she was preparing to live in the life of comfort for 11 days at sea. He was going to fight for her freedom to set sail and visit beautiful lands.
What stood out to me is that after 2 weeks this was one thing she discussed about her trip. Yes, she showed beautiful pictures and talked about seeing great things, but she remembered that moment. She did not know this young man or his family, but for a moment, he was a part of her life, and a permanent part of her memory.
Today, I am thankful for all the men and women who are serving in our military forces so I can sit in my home today and type this post in a warm, comfortable home. As a young child I lived close to a military base and a few family members who are enlisted in the army. Despite all of this, I have never taken the time to say "Thank you." This year I plan to say Thank you. You can join in if you would like. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year include this address,
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001
Tell our wounded soldiers that you are thankful for their service for our freedom.
2 comments:
My daughter has been posting thankfulness posts for days now...and well, now you are putting out the call to do it as well...I'm game...it can only cause me to keep my eyes open to the everyday blessings!
Jessica,
It was nice to meet you at the birthday party - and your darling son!
Unfortunately though, I have to tell you that sending the cards to the wounded soldiers is an urban legend. They can't accept any mail addressed to an unknown soldier because of security issues. Check out http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp.
It's a great idea, but there are other ways we can help.
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