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January 3 , 2007
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The Family Soldier
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Posted at 22:00 EST
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My brother-in-law volunteered for deployment to Iraq; he left yesterday. His Air Force Reserves unit was recently activated and he had the choice of staying or going. He chose to go.
We are all so proud of him. He is truly a hero. |
November 26 , 2006
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Another Soldier's Letter
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Posted at 23:00 EST
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I also write one letter each week to deployed soldiers as part of a letter writing team, also with the Soldiers' Angels organization mentioned earlier. We are told never to expect a response from those we have written. After all, these brave people have a job to do and cannot always take the time to respond to us. Our intent is to offer support, not force a soldier to become a pen pal.
So, imagine my surprise when I received a letter recently from the very first soldier I wrote to. She told me how thrilled she was to receive a letter from me, a total stranger. Her story was typical; she told me of how hard it was to leave her small child behind and travel so far away, not returning home until next spring. She spoke of counting down the months until she could return home and get back to her normal routine.
Hearing their stories keeps things in perspective for me. Sure, I may become irritated with rush hour traffic or crazed Christmas shoppers, but at least I'm not putting my life on the line halfway around the world.
Have a great Holiday Season, friend. You deserve it!
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May 5 , 2006
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The Soldier's Picture
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Posted at 00:00 EST
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I correspond with a deployed soldier as part of a letter writing campaign via the online community Soldiers Angels. When I checked email today I got a wonderful surprise -- my soldier pen pal sent me photos of him, his wife and baby! What an honor that this hard working man shared a bit of his family with me.
May you stay safe, friend. You have my gratitude for all that you have done.
Edit: November 2006 -- this brave soldier has returned home safe and sound to his family, his deployment completed. You are a true hero, friend. |
April 21 , 2006
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Balloons
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Posted at 01:00 EST
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A great many hot air balloons are launched in my neighborhood this time of year. As I drive to work I pass under some of them as they slowly rise off the desert floor. It makes me smile to see the people in the basket looking down at me as I go by. They are probably happy it's me driving to work and not them! Sometimes I give them a jaunty wave through the sun roof. I bet the view is stunning from up there. |
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