Thanksgiving at Home

I was going to write a Thanksgiving post about all the things I am thankful for and I might still do that, but then I received this email from one of my soldiers. I wanted to share the beautiful words he wrote in his homecoming email. I had the privilege to be given this man’s name (which I have withheld for his privacy) through Soldiers’ Angels. This is why I am so grateful for Soldiers’ Angels. To be able to support these men and women, even in a small way, as they put their lives on the line for the rest of us, is truly an honor.

Friends and family,

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all your support this past year. Many of you supported me in many different ways. Some with letters and packages. Some by email. Most importantly, many by prayers for my family and I. I know the Lord was watching over me and protected me on many of my flights. Sometimes I knew about them by looking at my plane when we landed and I’m sure, many more times that I never knew anything was wrong. Psalm 91:5-6 says “you will not fear the terror of night or the arrow that flies by day.” That verse alone got me through many days of war.

I get to go home today, November 20, 2006. Yesterday was K’s birthday. I can’t think of a better gift for her than me being home safely. Please take time to truly thank the Lord this Thanksgiving day. In the past, I too took this day of thanksgiving as just another holiday and a day off from work. It is so much more. Give thanks to God, the one who blesses us daily in many ways, sometimes we know His presence is very near, and other times He keeps us far from harm with out us even knowing. We are very blessed in this country and too many times we take our life here in America for granted.

Hug those close to you, just because you can. Many men and women this week are far away from home and will sit in a military messhall with paper turkeys hanging from the ceiling, an attempt to make them feel at home. It will not even come close. When its time to go back to their room or tent and look at the pictures of their loved ones, it is only then the distance prevents a hug or a kiss from those they love and they will feel so alone. One of the biggest things I missed was just personal physical contact with those I love. Not being able to hug or kiss K, B or T is heart breaking. 14 months with no one to hug you and lean on you while you sit down or just walk along the road.

The next time your loved one sits down next to you. Slide closer to them not further away. Give them a hug or just a friendly touch. Hold their hand, tell them you love them – then show them.

Again thank you for all your prayers and pray for those so far away from their familes this holiday season. It really stinks being so far away from those you love on special days like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I for one, will enjoy this Thanksgiving Day more then any other.

Thank you and may God richly bless your life,

J