Sunday, May 17, 2009

A Simple Thanks

A few weeks ago we were coming home late from somewhere (don't remember where) and saw our neighbor outside mowing her grass. As we pulled into the driveway she ran over and asked if we were putting the kids to bed and wanted to know if the mower was too loud and, if so, she would stop. How courteous is that!! She mentioned that she was the one mowing because her fiance was on deployment but would be coming home soon. A few days ago we noticed a "Welcome Home" banner on their garage and figured he was home, and we wanted to do something. 

I grew up in El Paso which is home to Ft. Bliss. I also lived in Albuquerque which is home to Kirtland Air Force Base. Both times, however, I lived on the other side of town from the bases and very rarely actually saw people in uniform. Now we live very close to both McCord AFB and Ft. Lewis so I see people in uniform all the time. I always have an internal dialogue, "Go say thanks. Go say thanks!!"; then I keep walking and say, "You big chicken!" 
When we saw the banner though I knew I wanted to tell our neighbor thanks so I went and bought a pie (you know, I don't cook for people) and a very low amount gift certificate to Olive Garden. The kids and I took it over to our neighbors yesterday and told the soldier thanks for keeping us safe. 
Today the doorbell rang and I opened the door to see about 10 men including my neighbor. He informed me that these men were members of his team and they wanted to say thanks for the pie. He had a thank you card that they all signed, and I just thought that was so cute. Something he said really struck me though. He said, "Thanks for the appreciation."

Thanks for the appreciation!!

There was a time in our country when service members were looked up to, not looked to as someone to spit upon. We need to get back to the old days. If you see someone in uniform, give them a simple thanks. . .I bet they could use the appreciation. 

12 people are laughing with me:

Keri said...

You must watch this!

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php

It is exactly what you are talking about!

I'm so thankful that you showed your appreciation!

The Wades said...

Makes me want to cry. I love this whole post so much!

Very thoughtful of you guys, very brave and wonderful of those men (the serving, not the walking to your door). Love it!

Angela said...

What a nice story Regina!

Sarah - Kala said...

Being a Navy wife, I think that is the coolest thing! Thank you for thanking the servicemen/women. I routinely see the vets with their collecton jars and flowers - I always say thanks and give them much more than a dollar. I also thank the men and women for serving if they mention it and/or at ceremonies we are invited to and attend. It's the least we can do, but it means the most.

God bless!

Auntie Nee said...

That was great!!!!

Lerin said...

This is a great, heart-warming post!

regan said...

how very beautiful the circle of thankfulness is and what considerate, lovely neighbors...

Laura The Crazy Mama said...

I would have fainted dead away by now. I almost had a conniption when we were in D.C. and were surrounded by men in uniform. I really shouldn't be allowed anywhere near men in uniform.

Aubrey said...

You're right, Regina, and they need to hear it. I've been with my brother only one time when he was in uniform and it was only for a few minutes on his way out of the airport. He was stopped several times by people wanting to thank him. I was so glad that they did so. Everytime that I've stopped to thank a military person, their eyes light up. They need the support. I'll have to tell you when his ship is leaving for deployment next year. Maybe you're close enough to go see them off. ;)

Heather said...

How cool is that?! I love it. Our good friend is on his way home from Afghanistan now- we're all so excited. I can't even imagine that kind of sacrifice...

Anonymous said...

Ok, I am totally crying! That was so awesome of you. I have to tell you about our recent experience. Tony served in the miltary for five years, part of that time in Bosnia. When he got out of the Army we had to go to the local courthouse down here to order some extra release paperwork. The lady behind the counter sneered and charged us a lot of money for the papers. Last month or so we had to go back again, because Tony couldn't find the papers and he needed them to turn into the college here. We went up there and he was complaining the whole way about how rude they would be to him and how much it was going to cost. The lady behind the counter, this time, gave us 10 copies free of charge and thanked Tony for serving our country.
You have no idea how much this meant to him and me! The military is a life of sacrafice. These men leave behind their families and help protect us from all the ugliness in the world. So next time don't be shy! Say thank you! And also, don't forget those vets, they need to hear it to... BIG TIME!
Wiping my tears... I am so proud of you!!!

Stacey and Bill said...

Hi! I am a friend of Keri. I love this entry. I, too, try to thank every military person I see. Really great to hear these stories! Good luck on the 5K. I trained for a 10k one year. It is lots of hard work. Uhg! Good luck!