MY NEW NEIGHBORS

MY NEW NEIGHBORS

If you have ever lived in an apartment building or multi-family dwelling you will appreciate what I am going to share with you.    I live in a 17-story condominium where many owners sublet their apartments.   I have lived here since 1980 as a renter until I purchased my unit in 2000.   Living here so long you can imagine I have had a variety of neighbors on all four sides, as well as across the hall.   I don't know how other buildings are constructed but this building was built in the mid 60's and  sound carries easily through walls, floors and hallways.  

Several weeks ago the couple who was renting the apartment across the hall moved out.   They told me the owners, a young couple from Bulgaria, wanted to rent it to a friend who just returned from their homeland and was in dire need of a place to live.    Nothing unusual there!!!   The following weekend all hell broke loose.  The sounds of young children screaming, yelling, arguing and running all over the apartment was impossible to ignore.   It was so loud that it sounded as if they were living in my apartment!!   What to do?    I tried to ignore it for three days until I called the front desk  to report the disturbance.   It was so unsettling that I could not think, eat, watch television or read, and more importantly I could not read Scripture.    Finally I called the resident manager in tears explaining that she needed to understand and to hear what I was hearing.  From my front door I held up the phone for a couple of minutes and she listened....and her response was just what I expected.  She was aghast at the decibel of the noise and promised to speak to the new resident.   She did but with little change in the intensity of the noise.

After a week I was so distraught  I decided I would speak to my neighbors myself.    I knocked on their door and a nanny answered...with two adorable little boys behind her.  They were five and seven years old.  Only the seven year old spoke English.   We introduced ourselves.....He is Alex, his little brother Jordan.......I asked him if they knew how to speak quietly and keep their voices down, as their loudness was not good for my health, explaining that I was getting headaches from their constant noise.   They were so apologetic and so cute.....and as we were talking their Mom came down the hall, arriving home from work.    I explained to her what the problem was and that I truly hoped we could find a way to live compatibly.   She admitted that with two little boys it was not easy to calm them down but she would do her best, though it might take time.   We hugged, kissed and shook hands...little Alex extending his hand for me to shake.   I could feel the Lord working in this situation and felt that there would be an improvement, if not right away, in the near future. 

The next day I was at the store and decided to buy some little toys for the boys.   Their apartment was so quiet for two days I thought they were out of town.  Finally hearing their Mom come home one night I knocked and offered the toys.   She invited me in
and we sat and shared a glass of wine while the boys dressed up in their Halloween costumes to show them off.     We had a lovely hour long visit and I learned much about her circumstances.   She is a single Mom with two boys and needed a nanny so that she could work all day, and that she had registered the boys in school so they would not be home during the day.   When I heard her story and how she was struggling it truly touched my heart.   Did I tell you how cute the children are?  They are really the most adorable and well mannered boys......just rambunctious.  

The following week I came home from church where we hold a fellowship supper and bible study.   Normally I never take home any leftovers but this particular night there was a ton of chicken  left so I piled a plate to eat the next day.   As I was walking down my hallway the Lord told me to knock on their door and offer the chicken.   She invited me in, ecstatic that they would now have chicken for dinner with their potatoes!!!!!   Now I really understood their struggle!   Her circumstances are so difficult that she had to let the nanny go and bring her mother from Bulgaria to live with them.   Four people in a one bedroom apartment.    My heart is seriously moved by their situation.   Today I dropped off a basket of fruit I was given at Walter Reed last night at a Christmas party.   You would think I gave them a ten course meal!   The grandmother insisted on giving me candy in return for the fruit.

This entire chain of events has opened my eyes to how the Lord wants us to reach out to those less fortunate and to be kind to our neighbors.   I have been blessed with new friends and two little boys who have helped me to become more patient.   As a family they have made great strides in adapting to their new lifestyle.    I am so thankful that  I heard the Lord speaking to me.  So often I pray and ask Him to use me for His glory....and I wonder how many opportunities I have missed.   In this season of giving and sharing this is a reminder to all of us that even small gestures might be appreciated in a way we may never truly realize and that it might be as close as our neighbors right next door.

THE WOUNDED WARRIOR MARINE CORPS BALL NOVEMBER 2013

THE WOUNDED WARRIOR MARINE CORPS BALL  NOVEMBER 2013

An invitation to the Wounded Warrior Marine Corps Ball that was held last week had to be one of the highlights of my life!   Having been to the ball two years ago, I knew what to expect.   There is nothing like military tradition, and the Marine Corps does it best.

As you know, my life pretty much revolves around our Marines through care packages and precious time spent with some of our wounded warriors and their families at Walter Reed.   One of those families, the Burketts, you have read about in previous articles.   It was the Burketts who invited me to attend the ball with them this year, Major Burkett, his wife Melissa and their two oldest children Keenan, 10 and Josilyn 7.  

Of course the preparation starts weeks in advance, including shopping for formal attire and hair and nail appointments for the ladies.
Thankfully I did not have to shop for something to wear, as I have an outfit that has served me well over the years and since I rarely have a need for something formal I make do with what I have.  But that is not the case for the ladies of Walter Reed, the wives, mothers and girlfriends.   They do not come to the hospital prepared for such occasions.   The hard work of one woman, Jodi Bouck Warshel made the ball gown selection miraculous by locating sources that were willing to donate magnificent gowns and accessories.... and it was an enormous success.  Dozens of them....brand new with the tags still on them were sent to the hospital for a gown event for any of the women who would need them.....and they came in all sizes and colors......many of the ladies are in varying degrees of pregnancy.    They all found exactly what they needed.   What huge hearts the donors have and one store supplied the majority of the gowns!

I wanted to find a way to contribute something to the ladies for this special evening.   I was blessed to locate two hair salons in our area with hairdressers who were more than willing to donate their time to give our ladies the fancy hairdos required for a Ball.   They outdid themselves.   Thirteen ladies signed up for appointments and I knew only three of them.   However I did get to meet them on our way to the ball, and each of them looked exceptionally beautiful.   The hairdressers who volunteered to style the lady's hair were so thankful to be asked.........so willing to participate in making the night special in any way they could.    We just don't realize how many folks are out there who want to contribute and simply need to be asked!!!

The highlight of the evening was our guest of honor,   Medal of Honor recipient Sgt Dakota Meyer.  I had a brief moment to shake his had and thank him for his outstanding actions in Afghanistan, but of course he had little time to spend with any one person.   I also reunited with an old friend, LtCol Mike Corrado, singer/wongwriter of "Still in the Fight" and we had lots of news to catch up on.  For me, the most moving aspect of the evening was being surrounded by wounded warriors.   A ballroom filled with Marines in their dress uniforms, many in wheelchairs, but all of them sharing a night to remember.  For many it was their first ball and for many it would be their last as they would be discharged before the ball next year.  

The most beautiful tradition is the cutting of the elaborately decorated Marine Corps Birthday cake.   Cutting the cake with a sword,  the first piece is presented to the guest of honor,  the second piece presented to the oldest Marine present and the third to the youngest, signifying the passing on of years of experience from the eldest Marine to the youngest.   Then everyone enjoyed a piece of the birthday cake and the party began....lots of music and dancing.   Nothing can match the sight of Marines in their wheelchairs or with crutches on the dance floor with their ladies.  The determination and sheer will of a Marine will not allow them to sit on the sidelines when there is action on the dance floor.   And let me tell you, they can dance!   Not being much of a dancer myself,  I thoroughly enjoyed taking it all in, and also watching Major Burkett and Melissa dance a few slow numbers.   It truly did my heart good to be in the presence of such great Americans who would never consider missing a Ball due to their injuries.   However, there were many who could not attend because their injuries would not allow them to be with us, but the chaplain remembered them and their fallen brothers  in prayer when the ceremony began.   Of course all good things must come to an end, at by eleven it was time to head back to the hospital with many new memories etched in my heart for a lifetime.

Again, I wonder at the path my life has taken.   Each and every person, event, situation, is all mapped out by God and I am merely following His lead.   Again I look back at the last eleven years of involvement with our Marine Corps and I am in awe of how the Lord has arranged my life and all that it has become.   I am blessed......and so very thankful.   And speaking of thankful, this is the month of thanksgiving.......so I am giving thanks and I would like to wish all of you a blessed and plentiful Thanksgiving.   May God be with you always as He has been with me.
  

THE WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL AND HONOR FLIGHTS

THE WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL AND HONOR FLIGHTS


My friends Lyn Braedon-Reed and Jennifer Magerer and I decided that the
best way to spend the day was to head downtown to the WWII Memorial, the
weekend after the government shutdown.   Watching Veterans break through
barricades after flying long distances to visit their memorial this was
a beautiful sight, to see them move freely around the magnificent
monument built to honor them and their fallen brothers.   We came
knowing that there would be three Honor Flights visiting and we wanted
to be a part of that experience.

In case you are not familiar with Honor Flights they are a nonprofit
that funds flights to bring our veterans to Wash DC from all over the
country, while they are still able to travel.   This requires volunteers
to care for the veterans who need constant care, knowing that this may
be the last journey of their lives.  Many of the volunteers are from our
area and sign up to assist the veterans through their visit, on and off
the planes and the buses.     The emotions that this and other War
memorials evoke is difficult to put into words but each is hallowed
ground to be sure.   Our elder veterans walked or were pushed in
wheelchairs.....and you could see they truly felt the spirit of the
monument that payed homage to their service and sacrifice.    There was
no way to be there and not feel the sense of love and appreciation in
the air from the many thankful Americans who greeted these visitors with
enormous rounds of applause and cheers while waving American flags.
The patriotism was palpable.....the air was filled with honor and
respect for those who fought for the freedoms we hold dear today.

Before we headed downtown I was reminded to bring with me the oval black
on white stickers that say "I Served WWII" or "I Served KOREA" and what
a blessing that reminder proved to be.   It was a rather frantic
afternoon with a very threatening sky and chilly winds.   No
matter.....the weather would not deter  anyone.   Three flights arrived
in buses and as the veterans disembarked we welcomed them with open arms
and stickers. The three of us, along with Jennifer's friend Brandi,
approached each of the veterans shaking hands, sharing hugs and
conversation while I handed them the appropriate sticker(s).  Some had
served in both wars, some even three, including Vietnam...... I had
those stickers as well.   Many humbly asked if they could have more than
one  because they had served in more than one war.   Oh my gosh!!
They were so incredibly thankful for the stickers, cherishing them as if
they were extremely valuable.   So often it is the simple little things
that hold so much meaning.

By now you know me......I am all about Patriotism and not good at
holding back tears when it comes to those who have served our country,
past or present.   I cannot sing the Star Spangled Banner without tears
flowing.   This was by far one of the most exceptional events I can
remember.   On Veterans Day, Monday November 11, there are Honor Flights
coming in.  What better day to be there to greet them once again with
our hugs and stickers and flags.   We will repeat this experience as
often as our schedules allow.   There are never enough ways to honor our
war veterans......especially the 'greatest generation.'    This is the
least we can do and I can't wait to be there again and again.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

HONORING OUR VETERANS

It all started months ago when the founder of Quilts of Honor,  Gail Belmont,  Army veteran herself,  told me about an upcoming quilt exhibition that was to take place at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia.   It was to be held October 4-6 with a quilt presentation planned for 2pm on that Saturday.   Then the federal government shutdown  and the Museum was closed to the public.   A museum that really lent itself to the display of quilts draped from walls and railings.   There were multitudes of quilts, all hand made and created by quilters from all over the country that were packed and transported to the Museum.    The quilters spent months, years creating military themed quilts which are their specialty for this exhibition.

The quilters traveled here from states east and west with plans to visit all the military memorials in Washington DC as part of their week in the area.   As you know, along with the museum all the open air memorials were also closed.   It was obvious throughout their visit here, God was at work opening doors for every door that closed.   A new venue was found for the exhibition and presentation.....Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington, welcomed Quilts of Honor and did a splendid job displaying their quilts, although fewer than originally planned for the larger museum.  They opened a portion of their gift shop and offered their small auditorium.   But before I tell you about my visit that Saturday to see the quilts I want to share the other miracles that took place for the quilters.

A trip to the WWII Memorial that was closed to the public, but barricades were opened and they were free to visit and also meet many Veterans who were there with an Honor Flight.   The Vietnam Wall, also closed, was a very special visit.   The name of the brother of one of the quilters is on the wall, and they were determined to lay a wreath and also lay quilts in front of the wall for magnificent photos.

I was in the best of company with two good friends who are moms of combat wounded warriors at Walter Reed.  We were  blessed to attend the events on Saturday, not realizing just how emotional the afternoon would become.   The quilts were the most beautiful we had ever seen.   QOH does not sell them...they make them strictly to present to combat veterans of all generations.   Each quilt was more beautiful than the next, some more intricate, all patriotic.....eagles, flags, stars and stripes.   After closely examining the handiwork of the quilters, we took our seats in the auditorium for the presentation.  Gail and her volunteers had previously met many combat veterans while visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and invited them to Mt Vernon, not divulging the real reason for their invitation which was to present them with quilts and also gift them with passes to visit the Museum.

The ceremony started with members of our National Honor Guard, four (over 6ft tall) handsome Color Guard marching to the stage.  No matter where or when I see our flag and sing our national anthem, I get teary.   It never fails...the tears run.  One of the members of QOH, Marsha Borelli Silva is a singer and songwriter who performed two songs she composed, "Freedom is Not Free" and "America" and then the tears really started flowing.    I am extremely patriotic and get very emotional when it comes to honoring our country.   Then the presentation began.  The name of each veteran was called and a member of QOH presented a quilt that was related to his or her branch of the military.   Each presentation brought a round of applause from an approving auditorium.   In closing the Color Guard marched out, and then returned unofficially and they were given quilts as well.   More tears.   Finally, an announcement that at 3:30 there would be an unplanned presentation to some WWII veterans.   Well, there was no way I was going to leave and miss that ceremony!!!!!

These WWII Navy Veterans, here with an Honor Flight,  all sailed together on the USS Indiana.   As I sat there watching each of these precious elderly gentlemen I could picture my Dad and was overcome with sadness, missing him after losing him two years ago.   These patriots had no idea why they were invited to the museum and  were totally taken aback when their names were called and each was presented with a beautiful quilt.   Some could barely stand on their own, some had family with them, some were so touched that they cried.   What an incredible honor it was to be there to witness this display of appreciation for our older Veterans.   I will never forget that afternoon.

Before all the volunteers left our area to return home to their respective states, Gail,who is an accomplished bugler and has played at many funerals and military functions, played taps at the graveside of George Washington.  What a beautiful final gesture for them before they departed, and what an honor it was for us to be there to share the love and gratitude America feels for it's Veterans.

CARRYING ON TRADITION

CARRYING ON TRADITION

I have to admit that my memory fails to recall far too many details of how I became connected with some of the recipients of my care packages.    The internet was, without a doubt, the most significant means of locating troops I would ship to throughout their deployments.    I cannot remember how some of those troops found me or how I found them.....possibly through Marine forums, through friends, through previous recipients.......a multitude of possibilities.

Back in 2006 I received an email with the name of a Marine who was looking for support for his unit deployed to Fallujah.  They were a reserve infantry unit, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, Charlie Company, "New England's Own" out of Enfield, CT.   The Marine who was the author of that email was 1stSgt Ben Grainger.   I immediately replied that I would be honored to support his Marines and Sailors with care packages.   That was the beginning of a most unique friendship.

Ben was a prolific writer and every evening before he retired after a long day he would sit at his computer (when the power was working) and send an email out to all the families of his troops calling it "The Daily Life Corner."   I say he was unique because daily communication with their families was high priority.  He wanted to reassure all of them back home.   So, no matter how exhausted he was after all day patrols or missions outside the wire, he would pour himself a strong cup of java and write....always with a sense of humor.  Describing daily life in "the Ville", sharing names of Marines not getting mail, tips for men only, tips for women only, marriage tips, always acknowledging and speaking proudly of his Marines...he would write until his eyelids were closing.  He should have been a journalist and I told him that many times because he had a gift, bringing alive what he expressed with words.    He  was able to reassure the families with his humorous descriptions of everything going on around them.   He dubbed Fallujah "The Ville" and their building that they secured as their home the "Holiday Inn Express".  He  loved to write about the unpleasant problem they encountered with rats and other crawling insects and rodents, how the rats chewed through electrical cables and rendered their electronics useless (reason for computer blackouts).  He described the rats as "stealthy insurgent rats that took a liking to his favorite snacks I sent him like trail mix and beef jerky" and in detail shared his plans to eliminate them.   He referred to his Marines as 'the boys.'

In their building Ben set up a gallery with photos of family and friends, explaining to  me that the guys were motivated by the support from home and seeing their photos was a great comfort.    He even had a version of the USO shows.....with photos!  He would place a photo of a famous person like Brittney Spears in a frame in the chow hall and tell them she was the server that day.   Creative, always thinking of new ways to keep their spirits up.  He was there for his boys no matter what the need.   They respected and trusted him.

One of Ben's creations caught the attention of their local press back home, the Hartford Courant.   They sent a reporter over to Iraq to spend some time with Ben and his Marines.  Back home everyone was talking about his nightly reports and his 'new religion', as Ben called it....."Americantology".   At night, for an hour on the sandbagged roof of their building they would meet, erect a flag pole from a radio antennae, haul a boom box up there, and play requests from each of the Marines.   Their favorites, from  patriotic to country to heavy metal.....whatever music made them feel closer to home.  Ben would be their chief prophet, preacher and proselytizer of Americantology.   I truly felt honored to be included in the 1/25 family.

Ben and I corresponded almost daily and stayed in touch when his unit returned home, but not often.   We did communicate a few times a year.   I knew that Ben had kids, but back in 2006 they really were just kids but did not recall how old his boys were.    Just the other day I got a message from Ben on Facebook.   He was inquiring whether I would consider sending care packages to his son, now enlisted in the Army and serving in Afghanistan!!!!   Well, you can imagine how excited I was to be able to support the son of a Marine I had shipped to years ago.   Carrying on the tradition with the next generation really touched my heart.  Today my first box will be shipped to Ben's son, Ben Jr!!!!!   When I started writing for the The Glidden Graphic, I knew one day I would share the story of Ben Grainger and now I had a perfect reason to write it....a father and his son serve their country.    What a blessing for me to keep the tradition going forward!!!

DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS VISIT WALTER REED

DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS VISIT WALTER REED

In order to relate the story of the Marines Helping Marines cookout on August 22, 2013 I have to travel back in time a couple of years.  I also need to emphasize how the internet has impacted the last ten years of my life.  How the Lord connects people and circumstances is something that never ceases to amaze me.  This story starts with a friend of mine  in Michigan who maintains a large internet network of people supporting our troops.   One very special person on her email list is a man in Delaware who himself has an extensive email distribution list sharing prayer requests and news about our troops.  That man, Dan Dobson, is a Vietnam Air Force veteran and a compassionate patriot who loves his country and our wounded warriors.

A few months ago I received a request from Marines Helping Marines seeking sponsors for our monthly cookouts at Walter Reed which I in turn forwarded to my email list.   One of the recipients of that request was Dan, with Trinity Logistics in Seaford, Delaware.   Dan presented the request to the employees of Trinity and their response was overwhelmingly positive.   He informed me that each employee pays into a fund that is designated for supporting a worthy cause.   You have no idea how blessed I felt when he contacted me that the vote was unanimous....they wanted to sponsor our cookout for August and not only that, they wanted participate by driving down to Maryland to meet and serve our wounded warriors and their families.

Thirteen of them were able to make the trip......employees and a few family members.  Trinity is a very family oriented company which employs multiple generations of families.   They arose early to leave Delaware at 7am and arrived safely at Walter Reed around 9am.   I had time to explain the buffet set up procedure while we awaited the arrival of the MHM Veterans who were bringing the equipment and the food.  This was a first for the team from Trinity......spending time with severely wounded Soldiers and Marines, and they were looking forward to taking part in serving our guests, who number around one hundred and fifty.

For the first time this season the veterans with the supplies were running late!   There is quite a lot of organization and labor involved in the preparation........ setting up tables,  arranging the order of the many courses,  cutting dozens of trays of fresh fruits and veggies, grilling  the  steaks, chicken, kababs, burgers and hotdogs .....six long tables arranged with a wide variety of side dishes including desserts, cookies and brownies baked by our volunteers.     What was most impressive was that with all those helping hands we were set up in record time.....less than forty-five minutes.  Normally it takes well over an hour but we were ready with time to spare!    That's how determined and enthusiastic our volunteers were!!!

11:30am.   Time for our guests to arrive.....a nonstop procession of warriors with wheelchairs, crutches, Segways and gurneys accompanied by their families with children and strollers.  They filled their plates and sat to relax and enjoy a real barbecue, a welcome change from their daily hospital fare.   It was extremely hot that day.....over ninety in the shade.....but the heat did not dampen spirits in the least.   Each of the volunteers from Trinity was grateful to have been in the presence of such true American heroes.  As Dan so aptly wrote when he returned home,  "Team Trinity was honored to host a lavish barbeque for our Wounded Warriors and their families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Building 62. If the cowardly enemy who have maimed these troops think they have broken their spirit, that delusion joins the many that cloud their perverted minds. We were humbled by these men and women who represent the finest we have to offer. They have set the gold standard for perseverance in the face of what many would see as insurmountable odds. God has blessed them as they have given so much for so many of us. It was inspiring to meet them and serve them."

Volunteering is a beautiful opportunity to serve God...... there is no greater sense of reward than serving others.   Whether it is wounded warriors or a special need in one's community, the mission is to provide for their needs.  This is just one of many stories of  groups or individuals who have stepped up to the plate when they saw a chance to give back to our wounded service men and women.   Trinity Logistics was instrumental in lifting the spirits of those who attended the cookout that day.   They shared with me that this event was an experience they would never forget and they look forward  to returning  next summer.  

AN INJURED MARINE'S FAMILY AND THEIR DOGS

AN INJURED MARINE'S FAMILY AND THEIR DOGS

It all started back in March 2012 when Major Eric Burkett was severely injured while piloting his Osprey Tiltrotor helicopter that crashed during a training mission in Morocco.    (You may recall a previous column I wrote last November entitled "Kilts and Bagpipes"... about Major Burkett and the MCFD Pipes and Drums).   This journey began when he was flown to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda.   His family, living in Jacksonville, NC immediately came to the hospital to be at his side.   His family consists of his wife and four adorable children.  Left behind were their two dogs Honor and Izzie, English setters that are inseparable.

This is the story of Honor and Izzie, two English Setters,  and how their lives were altered since Eric was injured.   It was necessary to place them in a kennel in NC indefinitely with the future completely uncertain.   That was sixteen months ago and the family is  still living here as Eric prepares for another surgery this week which will require remaining here for another ten to twelve months.

Eric's wife Melissa has returned to NC many times since he was admitted to the hospital to check on the dogs and to retrieve items needed for the lengthy stay here in Maryland.   A few of those trips allowed her and the kids and sometimes Eric, to stay for a few days....an opportunity to bring Honor and Izzie home from the kennel.   However, for almost the entire time they have been here the dogs have been there in the kennel.  Thankfully that kennel was a loving one where they could remain together with spacious quarters and plenty of room to exercise.   Nevertheless, they were far away from the family who loved them and the separation was difficult for everyone including the dogs.

Fast forward to July 2013.   Realizing that the family would not be moving back to NC for quite some time they decided to find a kennel in Maryland which would allow them to visit Honor and Izzie regularly.   Some very close friends, the Mallarys, who live in Maryland, had a kennel on the property adjacent to theirs.   How perfect!!!   Next door to friends whose home they already visited frequently.     The dogs were moved up here in June  hoping this would be the best possible solution for everyone.   You can imagine how hard it was for their children to be separated from their 'best friends' for so long.

Sadly, this solution was not the final one.  The kennel was less than satisfactory.  Too small, lack of space, and not enough attention.  It was painful for the family to see their dogs in such a setting and something needed to change.   Researching other arrangements Melissa found and related to me the existence of organizations that match foster homes with military pets, a service I had no idea existed, but a service that is surely a blessing to those military families that often cannot take their pets with them for a year or more when they transfer locations.    Foster families will take the pets on a extended temporary basis so the pets do not have to be given away permanently.   What a beautiful concept!!!    This is where this story really gets interesting..........

August 1, 2013.   First thing in the morning I checked my Facebook page, and there was a message from Rick Blandford, manager of the Pipe and Drum band which read,   "This is the longest I've been without a dog in my life.  Next week I will be looking for a 'loner dog' to take to the river....must be a large dog that loves water.  I will return him clean and tired".   That post sparked an idea in my mind.....perhaps Rick and his wife Bonnie would consider being foster parents for the Burkett's two dogs!!!   Keep in mind Eric and Rick had met at the first cookout last year so they were not strangers.     I sent a message to Rick inquiring if they would consider taking the Burkett's two dogs for as long as needed.   Rick said he would check with Bonnie.   My heart was so excited at the possibility!!!   Rick wrote back asking about the dogs and whether they are used to being around cats since Bonnie has two cats.     I got the necessary information from Melissa and forwarded it to Rick.    My anticipation was growing by the minute!   Then, on Sunday, the 4th, Rick came to visit the Burketts at the barracks where they live to discuss the details.

Later that evening when I met with Eric and Melissa and asked how things were looking, I got the awesome news......this Thursday, August 8th, the day before Eric's surgery, Rick and Bonnie will be picking up Honor and Izzie at the kennel to bring them to their home.....a real home with a real family and a large fenced in yard.....praise be to God!!!  Only He could choreograph all of this...........from one kennel to another to a message on Facebook that would bring all if this together.   Days later and I am still in complete awe of how the Lord can do absolutely anything!!  

There is one little detail I saved for last.  When Eric and Rick first met,  Eric had inquired about learning to play the bagpipes.   Due to  their busy schedules, a year has passed with no opportunity for that to happen.   With the dogs at Rick's home, there will be many visits and many hours to learn to play the bagpipes!!!!   So things really did come together in many many ways.  As Rick so beautifully posted on Facebook on Sunday evening...."A few days ago I was looking for a loaner dog, today I meet with a USMC Major who will be at Walter Reed for ten more months while he gets a new leg.  Bonnie Blandford, Erik Blandford and I just got the honor to be foster parents for his two dogs......how cool."   Did I shed a few tears?  You bet I did!!!

To be honest, the true benefit of having the Burketts here for so long is that I have been blessed with their friendship, getting to really know their kids and love them more than  I can express.   They are a big part of my life and I am so thankful for our friendship.   Above all, I thank God for guiding all of our lives and bringing us together.   He is so wise!!!