Hopes and Prayers for Our Soldiers

I got hit in the gut today with one of the scariest feelings.

I heard news that a dear friend had been hit with an IED and there was no word on his condition. I tried to stay hopeful since I didn't have any details, but for a few brief moments, a wave of grief washed over my soul that I just couldn't stop. The thought of that bright light going out just floored me.

I had to let it work its way out for a few minutes and then I started to think clearly again. I got in touch with the right people and within a few minutes learned, (Thank Goodness!) that he was going to be okay and that everyone in his unit made it, too. Whew.

I don't care whether you're for or against the Iraq or Afghanistan wars and the side missions into Pakistan. I don't want to debate whether it's right or wrong for us to be there. What I want is for us to do whatever it takes within legal and moral guidelines to resolve those situations and bring our soldiers home!

That means we need to realistically look at the situations in all war zones as they are today and figure out how to solve them given the CURRENT conditions on the ground, not what they were and not what we wished they'd be. Put those plans into place (and these should be both political and military actions) and do it. We Americans are famous for our ability to adapt and overcome. Please let's live up to that image so we can bring our soldiers home safe and sound as soon as possible.

There are too many friends and family members who already have to live forever with that grief I experienced for a few moments. I hope and pray that I never have to experience that feeling again. But if I do, I'll bravely face it. It's the least I can do for those who risk their lives every day to safeguard me.

Please don't just think of our soldiers on holidays like yesterday and Memorial Day. They deserve to be in our thoughts daily. To quote my new friend Paul Arvay:

"Today and every day, when you see someone that you know is a Veteran, or you see someone in uniform, please thank them in person with a smile, a nod or a hand shake! Let them know that you care about and appreciate all that they have done and will do for all of us."

Thank you Veterans and Soldiers for all you have done and will do.

On Being Alive

So I had quite a shocker today... turns out there's been a rumor of my death floating around somewhere in NC. The way I found out was from a dear friend who just found me and told me he was so glad the rumor wasn't true.

I've always been a firm believer in the do good things and be the best person you can be and those things will come back to you motto. And today, good things came in spades. I didn't know how worried my friend was for me. Ours was a typical story... close friend in high school, I went one direction, he went another and we lost touch. I don't know why this rumor of my untimely death exists. In one way it's a bit disturbing, but in another way, it made me remember that when someone is really your friend, you matter to them no matter how long or how far apart you become.

To hear the sound of relief in my friend's voice... and the bit of disbelief that it was actually me... The experience was profound to say the least... I feel thankful, honored, stunned, happy, and immensely humbled.

I am so thankful for all the love and support and birthday wishes yesterday, but I think I'm most thankful for being able to give the gift of a happy surprise to someone else.

And just so we're all clear... Rumors of my untimely demise are just that. I'm still the spitfire you all know and love and I certainly plan to be around for a long time to come. = )

Appreciating What You Have

While I'm not a religious person, I do have a deep sense of spirituality, and it's always seemed to well up in me when I see something beautiful in nature... a sunset, the fall colors, spring flowers. I guess it's because I'm the "independant cuss" my momma always teased me about being. I just don't see the need to have someone else tell me what and how to believe. If I had to really nail down a belief system, I'd have to say that I believe in all kinds of Love... Love of family, friends, nature, country, etc.

I had a spiritual ah hah the other day. Lke many people, I've spent a lot of time worrying and stressing about so many different things: bills, career, home stuff. So much so that I had worn myself out. And I realized that while I believe in Love, I was giving myself very little of it. I'm not talking narcissistic love, but genuine appreciation and care for my self, inside and out.

Appreciate what I have... That's something it's so hard to do sometimes... to let go and simply take joy in what you have in you and around you that is good. For once, I didn't put things off for another day, and I took my own advice.

And as a result, I had the absolute best Christmas vacation I've ever had... not because of a whole lot of presents (something I'd been worrying a lot about)... but because I was able to spend amazing time with my husband, with our daughters, with his parents (who are another mom and dad to me), with my mom, sister and brother-in-law and nephew.

It was so beautiful, and while it was a lot of work, it was more than worth it.

Take time for yourselves and those you care about. Appreciate what you have, and in doing so, you may discover a richness and beauty in your life that you never knew you had.

Love to all,
Tammy