A GIFT THAT STARTED IN AFRICA
Way back when I started shipping care packages to our Marines overseas I
often inquired if they would share with me addresses in other locations
that I might support. One of those locations was Djibouti, Africa and
that was back in 2004. One of those recipients, a first sergeant, wrote
to thank me and that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that
has continued to this day, and I believe will continue forever.
1stSgt Courtney Curtis, who was with the 3/2 India Company, 4th MEB
(Marine Expeditionary Brigade), CJTF (Command Joint Task Force) Djibouti
at the time was my new contact in Africa. He shared photos of himself
and his Marines, camels, the terrain (hot dry desert) and the chow hall
and helped to give me a sense of the base where they lived and worked.
It truly makes a difference when I can visualize who receives the boxes
I ship and where they go!!!!
Not long after Courtney and I connected, it was time for him to come
home on leave during his year deployment. It was around Easter that
year and while he was home his father became ill. He had to return to
Florida to be with his Dad and on his way back to Africa had a stop over
in Maryland, at BWI airport. I had the opportunity to meet him while
he was waiting for his connecting flight. What an great day that
was......we had a couple of hours to chat about our families, get to
know each other and then say goodbye.
Not long after that I received a very special gift. My first American
flag, flown in my honor, accompanied by a certificate stating that it
was flown on Memorial Day May 31st, 2004. Along with the certificate
was a letter from 1stSgt Curtis that said: "Susan, a small token of our
appreciation. From all of us to you, we thank you for your support of
our troops deployed. This flag was flown in Djibouti Africa in your
honor. We think the date is a special one, as we remember those that
have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we share today. We
also remember those that have given a part of themselves each and every
day ensuring that our troops deployed are not forgotten. Thank you, may
God bless you in all that you do." Well, you can imagine my reaction
to such a meaningful gift......by now you know me......I broke down and
wept. My brother in law was kind enough to mount these items in a
beautiful shadow box which is displayed proudly in my home. I also
received some cultural gifts such as a wooden African mask that I love.
Courtney had been in the Marine Corps since he graduated from high
school, and shortly thereafter married his high school sweetheart
Becky. To this day, they are still like high school sweethearts with a
precious love that has gotten them through multiple deployments, as well
as a son who followed his dad's footsteps into the Marine Corps. In
2005 when my nephew Alex was returning to Camp Lejeune from a deployment
to Afghanistan, my family and I were there for the homecoming.
Courtney happened to be between deployments himself so I was invited to
their charming home for dinner. What a memorable evening that was! I
felt very welcomed and knew that our friendship was something out of the
ordinary. During that trip he arranged for a visit to the new Wounded
Warrior Barracks (Maxwell Hall), a refurbished barracks on base for our
wounded warriors who were transitioning from hospital to home or back to
active duty. I had no idea at the time that my life would be moving in
the direction of volunteering with our wounded warriors at Walter Reed
(then Bethesda Naval Hospital). Now that I look back I can see where
the Lord was positioning me for what was to come!!!!
No matter where Courtney was stationed I supported his Marines with care
packages. His next deployment was to Iraq in 2005 with VMA 223.
(Marine Attack Squadron with Harrier Jets). I received a second folded
American flag with a certificate that was flown on September 11, 2005,
the date chosen by Courtney, knowing how meaningful that date would
always be.
When he returned from that deployment he was preparing for the Marine
Corps Marathon. I knew that if he was running that race he would have
to be back here in the Maryland DC area. I had the opportunity to cook
him dinner! On a Sunday morning he was invited to my Dad's for
breakfast, so the whole family got to meet him.
Now everyone in my family understood what a treasure he is and why our
friendship means so much.
Courtney has transferred a few times since then, traveled all over the
country, and finally retired from the Marine Corps as a Sergeant Major
just a couple of months ago. Their family has settled in Yuma,
Arizona, where he was at one time stationed and he and Becky fell in
love with the climate and the area. We stay in touch, something that
will be much easier now that he will not be deploying again, and will be
employed close to home. Living with Becky full time is a new experience
and one that I know they are cherishing after a long career of deployments.
My life has been blessed by his friendship....in so many ways. He
taught me quite a bit about the Marine Corps over the years. I hope
that our paths will cross again, but I feel sure that they will.
Courtney is one of the gifts that the care package ministry have given
me. I have only my God to thank....for only He knows His plans for
me........and so far He has done a perfect job of guiding me.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
A CHANCE MEETING
A CHANCE MEETING
Timing truly is incredible and when I look back at some of the unexpected events that took place at a specific moment in time I am stunned and in awe of how God is always there working in my life. Care packages are the root of most of the events I have described in previous articles. The sight of a stack of identically labelled large boxes often brings out the curiosity in people so they inquire as to what they are and where they are going. I am used to this curiosity and thankful because it often opens doors to new donors or gives me the opportunity to encourage others to support our troops through care packages or a variety of ways.
This event took place on my front doorstep, a large condo highrise with over 400 units. Naturally I do not know all of the other residents...far too many to get to know. At the time I was shipping ten to fifteen boxes per week with the help of a friend, Nancy, who assisted me for nearly a year and whose larger vehicle enabled us to get the boxes to the post office in one trip. When Nancy was not available I called on the dedicated Marines from our local recruiting office (the same office where my nephew was recruited) who were always ready and willing to do what was needed to get a shipment to their brothers in arms.
On this particular day while we were loading her van, a tall middle aged gentleman was entering the building and inquired about the boxes. I launched into my explanation with a big smile and explained that they were heading to Iraq for our Marines in combat at different locations throughout the country. From that point on the conversation really boggled my mind!!!!
I explained that my nephew was in Iraq serving with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, India Company and his unit was to receive a couple of the fifteen packages that were addressed to many different units. Well, his reply nearly knocked me off my feet. He was a Marine veteran and served with 3/6 India himself decades ago. Once again I learn that the Marine Corps world is a very small one indeed. Right here at my front door I met a veteran who served in the same unit as my nephew!!! That has happened several times since this meeting took place and each time I am surprised!!!
He proceeded to ask for details.....how the care packages were funded and how I obtained the funds. Evidently he had not seen any of the local TV interviews or newspaper or magazine articles that featured my ministry. I also told him I counted on word of mouth. Until last September I worked in a mall which gave me access to a constant stream of people, both friends and strangers...... and I was not timid about bringing up the subject of supporting our troops overseas. He asked what the cost was to fund such a project, and I explained in detail the cost of the contents and the shipping. The trips to Costco, Sam's Club, the Dollar Tree, etc. I had a distinct feeling I should ask if he would like to make a donation to support our Marines and he said sure, how much would I like? Well, I thought to myself, why start small, right? So I asked him if he would be willing to donate $1000. By now you probably figured out what the answer was, hence my writing this article and sharing this story. He said 'YES' and asked me to write down my name and where to send the check!!!!
That was not the only time this generous veteran offered to support the Marines in combat. On several occasions over the years he would send me a check for $500. This was yet another example of Marines supporting their brothers. I have come to realize that support extends beyond Marines and includes their families and supporters as well. I know that I have been blessed mightily over the years by a multitude of generous folks who responded just as this gentleman did and I am so very grateful and thankful that those donors have been there for our troops for eleven long years. These donations are all the more meaningful because I am not a registered non-profit organization and their donations are not tax deductible......they are truly giving from their hearts!!!!!!
As the military continues its draw down, deactivates many units and their entire game plan changes, there will be less need for the weekly care packages that have gone out faithfully over the years. I cannot imagine my life without them.....cannot picture my apartment not looking like a mini version of Sam's Club, the entire perimeter piled with non perishable food, toiletries and magazines. I have always known that the time would come for this ministry to be over, and trust the Lord to open a new door when that day comes. I think this year will be the last. The end of an era in my life that has brought me more joy and friendships than I could have ever conceived. These eleven years have been life changing in many ways and if you have read my previous articles you already know what I am talking about.
Thank you to my neighbor and ALL the others who have been there, believing in me and my desire to bring happiness and comfort and a sense of home to our troops deployed! I will never forget what these years have meant to me. Writing these stories and sharing them with the reader gives them a sense of permanence. To God goes the glory........for only He is capable of arranging each event that I write and publish. I truly love knowing that all of you appreciate and enjoy my writings.
Timing truly is incredible and when I look back at some of the unexpected events that took place at a specific moment in time I am stunned and in awe of how God is always there working in my life. Care packages are the root of most of the events I have described in previous articles. The sight of a stack of identically labelled large boxes often brings out the curiosity in people so they inquire as to what they are and where they are going. I am used to this curiosity and thankful because it often opens doors to new donors or gives me the opportunity to encourage others to support our troops through care packages or a variety of ways.
This event took place on my front doorstep, a large condo highrise with over 400 units. Naturally I do not know all of the other residents...far too many to get to know. At the time I was shipping ten to fifteen boxes per week with the help of a friend, Nancy, who assisted me for nearly a year and whose larger vehicle enabled us to get the boxes to the post office in one trip. When Nancy was not available I called on the dedicated Marines from our local recruiting office (the same office where my nephew was recruited) who were always ready and willing to do what was needed to get a shipment to their brothers in arms.
On this particular day while we were loading her van, a tall middle aged gentleman was entering the building and inquired about the boxes. I launched into my explanation with a big smile and explained that they were heading to Iraq for our Marines in combat at different locations throughout the country. From that point on the conversation really boggled my mind!!!!
I explained that my nephew was in Iraq serving with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, India Company and his unit was to receive a couple of the fifteen packages that were addressed to many different units. Well, his reply nearly knocked me off my feet. He was a Marine veteran and served with 3/6 India himself decades ago. Once again I learn that the Marine Corps world is a very small one indeed. Right here at my front door I met a veteran who served in the same unit as my nephew!!! That has happened several times since this meeting took place and each time I am surprised!!!
He proceeded to ask for details.....how the care packages were funded and how I obtained the funds. Evidently he had not seen any of the local TV interviews or newspaper or magazine articles that featured my ministry. I also told him I counted on word of mouth. Until last September I worked in a mall which gave me access to a constant stream of people, both friends and strangers...... and I was not timid about bringing up the subject of supporting our troops overseas. He asked what the cost was to fund such a project, and I explained in detail the cost of the contents and the shipping. The trips to Costco, Sam's Club, the Dollar Tree, etc. I had a distinct feeling I should ask if he would like to make a donation to support our Marines and he said sure, how much would I like? Well, I thought to myself, why start small, right? So I asked him if he would be willing to donate $1000. By now you probably figured out what the answer was, hence my writing this article and sharing this story. He said 'YES' and asked me to write down my name and where to send the check!!!!
That was not the only time this generous veteran offered to support the Marines in combat. On several occasions over the years he would send me a check for $500. This was yet another example of Marines supporting their brothers. I have come to realize that support extends beyond Marines and includes their families and supporters as well. I know that I have been blessed mightily over the years by a multitude of generous folks who responded just as this gentleman did and I am so very grateful and thankful that those donors have been there for our troops for eleven long years. These donations are all the more meaningful because I am not a registered non-profit organization and their donations are not tax deductible......they are truly giving from their hearts!!!!!!
As the military continues its draw down, deactivates many units and their entire game plan changes, there will be less need for the weekly care packages that have gone out faithfully over the years. I cannot imagine my life without them.....cannot picture my apartment not looking like a mini version of Sam's Club, the entire perimeter piled with non perishable food, toiletries and magazines. I have always known that the time would come for this ministry to be over, and trust the Lord to open a new door when that day comes. I think this year will be the last. The end of an era in my life that has brought me more joy and friendships than I could have ever conceived. These eleven years have been life changing in many ways and if you have read my previous articles you already know what I am talking about.
Thank you to my neighbor and ALL the others who have been there, believing in me and my desire to bring happiness and comfort and a sense of home to our troops deployed! I will never forget what these years have meant to me. Writing these stories and sharing them with the reader gives them a sense of permanence. To God goes the glory........for only He is capable of arranging each event that I write and publish. I truly love knowing that all of you appreciate and enjoy my writings.
Friday, June 7, 2013
LIVING HISTORY
LIVING HISTORY
Have you ever read an article somewhere that was so unusual that it stuck in the back of your mind and keeps coming to the surface every now and then? That is what I want to share with you today. There was a story of a young boy who asked his grandfather to come to his elementary class and tell his schoolmates about his service in the Army. All I could think about was how mesmerized those students must have been hearing those stories firsthand instead of from a history book. How exciting and how real....bringing history to life!!!!! That article remained buried in my memory for a few years before it popped up again in 2009.
You know by now that I have a great love and appreciation for our veterans of all generations. I love to share with my readers how their lives have impacted mine or how their service has changed their own lives. It occurred to me that perhaps the local high schools might benefit from hearing those stories firsthand just as the class of that little boy many years ago. It was time to do some research.
I sat down and made a list of all the local high schools.....then called each school's resource department inquiring as to whether they would be interested in veterans coming to speak to their history classes. I learned that the speakers would need to coincide with the curriculum as it progressed through the school year and that would be in the spring, closer to Easter and not too far from the end of the school year. Of course any speakers would be from WWII or later. Several schools were very enthusiastic about my idea so I started reaching out to veterans.
Thank goodness for the internet and the many Marine Corps and military forums that I frequent. Working in retail in a mall also allowed me to meet veterans too. I put ads in a couple of magazines and posted my request in as many places as possible. Within a couple of weeks I had a terrific list of several veterans, from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq. I have to say I was pretty excited that this was working out!!! The one drawback for me was that I could not be in class for most of the visits because I was working.
However, there were two Vietnam veteran speakers whose classes I was able to attend and I was, without a doubt, as mesmerized as the high school kids. One very special speaker happened to be a friend as well, Everett Alvarez, longest held POW in Vietnam, eight and one half years. His story was spellbinding to say the least. You could have heard a pin drop and there were four classes gathered together in the cafeteria to hear him speak. The details of his incarceration in the Hanoi Hilton was breathtaking. I was so incredibly grateful that Everett took time from his busy schedule to speak to the students.
Another speaker of that era spoke of the history of Vietnam before, during and after the war. It was a history lesson that was far more interesting in person than from a textbook. Even the teacher was completely absorbed by his delivery. The other classes at other schools I was not able to hear, but the teachers contacted me and thanked me for bringing the living history to their classrooms. They sent thank you notes to the speakers and hoped to repeat the experiences in the future.
Sadly the next year the weather reeked havoc on the curriculum....too many snow days so there was no time for extra curricular special lessons. It turned out to be a one semester endeavor and then I was so involved with the care packages that I let it go. I do believe I need to attempt to repeat the project.
Perhaps there are some of you reading this article who might consider volunteering to speak at the schools of your children or grandchildren. I know it would be a wonderful experience for everyone involved. So many veterans have such meaningful stories to tell......some have never been told before and some have been repeated many times........but to the ears of the children....all ages........those stories may be what triggers a deeper interest in our country's history!!! Think about it!!!
Have you ever read an article somewhere that was so unusual that it stuck in the back of your mind and keeps coming to the surface every now and then? That is what I want to share with you today. There was a story of a young boy who asked his grandfather to come to his elementary class and tell his schoolmates about his service in the Army. All I could think about was how mesmerized those students must have been hearing those stories firsthand instead of from a history book. How exciting and how real....bringing history to life!!!!! That article remained buried in my memory for a few years before it popped up again in 2009.
You know by now that I have a great love and appreciation for our veterans of all generations. I love to share with my readers how their lives have impacted mine or how their service has changed their own lives. It occurred to me that perhaps the local high schools might benefit from hearing those stories firsthand just as the class of that little boy many years ago. It was time to do some research.
I sat down and made a list of all the local high schools.....then called each school's resource department inquiring as to whether they would be interested in veterans coming to speak to their history classes. I learned that the speakers would need to coincide with the curriculum as it progressed through the school year and that would be in the spring, closer to Easter and not too far from the end of the school year. Of course any speakers would be from WWII or later. Several schools were very enthusiastic about my idea so I started reaching out to veterans.
Thank goodness for the internet and the many Marine Corps and military forums that I frequent. Working in retail in a mall also allowed me to meet veterans too. I put ads in a couple of magazines and posted my request in as many places as possible. Within a couple of weeks I had a terrific list of several veterans, from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq. I have to say I was pretty excited that this was working out!!! The one drawback for me was that I could not be in class for most of the visits because I was working.
However, there were two Vietnam veteran speakers whose classes I was able to attend and I was, without a doubt, as mesmerized as the high school kids. One very special speaker happened to be a friend as well, Everett Alvarez, longest held POW in Vietnam, eight and one half years. His story was spellbinding to say the least. You could have heard a pin drop and there were four classes gathered together in the cafeteria to hear him speak. The details of his incarceration in the Hanoi Hilton was breathtaking. I was so incredibly grateful that Everett took time from his busy schedule to speak to the students.
Another speaker of that era spoke of the history of Vietnam before, during and after the war. It was a history lesson that was far more interesting in person than from a textbook. Even the teacher was completely absorbed by his delivery. The other classes at other schools I was not able to hear, but the teachers contacted me and thanked me for bringing the living history to their classrooms. They sent thank you notes to the speakers and hoped to repeat the experiences in the future.
Sadly the next year the weather reeked havoc on the curriculum....too many snow days so there was no time for extra curricular special lessons. It turned out to be a one semester endeavor and then I was so involved with the care packages that I let it go. I do believe I need to attempt to repeat the project.
Perhaps there are some of you reading this article who might consider volunteering to speak at the schools of your children or grandchildren. I know it would be a wonderful experience for everyone involved. So many veterans have such meaningful stories to tell......some have never been told before and some have been repeated many times........but to the ears of the children....all ages........those stories may be what triggers a deeper interest in our country's history!!! Think about it!!!
Monday, May 20, 2013
MEMORIAL DAY.....WHAT IS WAS AND WHAT IT SHOULD BE
MEMORIAL DAY.....WHAT IT WAS AND WHAT IT SHOULD BE
In the 1860's a day of remembrance was declared, Decoration Day, to honor those who have died in our nation's service during the Civil War. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed in May 1868 and after WWI the holiday was changed from honoring the Civil War dead to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.
Sadly the majority of Americans look forward to Memorial Weekend as the beginning of their summer holiday, three months of sun, fun, cookouts, sales in the stores and partying. School is out and all things serious are put aside until the fall when school resumes. Even our administration in Washington, our nation's leaders, rush out of town for the summer. They head for their home states for three months, appearing in the media for 'photo ops' in parades on holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veteran's Day. I do believe that there are a handful of them who honestly revere these holidays and know in their hearts the true meaning of those holidays and I thank them for being an example to the population at large.
For those families who have lost a father, brother, uncle, mother, sister, cousin.......their memorial candle shines brightly in their darkness. Their sadness and loss is real and they are offended by the lack of patriotism and honor that should be accorded to their lost loved ones on this special holiday........and they live it every day of their lives.
In December 2000 a resolution was passed which asks Americans "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing, for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps' at 3pm on Memorial Day. It is a step in the right direction to bring awareness to the purpose of this holiday.
When Congress made the day into a three day weekend in 1971 it made it easy for people to be distracted from the true meaning of Memorial Day. If it were officially observed on it's original May 30 every year, perhaps Americans would treat the day as the solemn, even sacred day that it deserves.
We, as Americans, owe everything to our fallen, no matter the war or the generation. My involvement with our wounded warriors and their families, hearing their stories and seeing the pain for their lost brothers, keeps that reverence alive in me every day. All Americans, whether personally connected to the military or not, should never forget those who have laid down their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy every day.
I have always felt that the greeting "Happy Memorial Day" was completely inappropriate. I prefer to remind people to remember the reason for their long holiday weekend. I pray that the citizens of this great country will take a few moments to let their minds wander back over the decades of many wars and the many thousands who gave their lives for America. It is the very least we can do. I pray that at 3pm on May 30 America will remember and say a little prayer of gratitude. I wish you a blessed and meaningful Memorial Day.
In the 1860's a day of remembrance was declared, Decoration Day, to honor those who have died in our nation's service during the Civil War. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed in May 1868 and after WWI the holiday was changed from honoring the Civil War dead to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.
Sadly the majority of Americans look forward to Memorial Weekend as the beginning of their summer holiday, three months of sun, fun, cookouts, sales in the stores and partying. School is out and all things serious are put aside until the fall when school resumes. Even our administration in Washington, our nation's leaders, rush out of town for the summer. They head for their home states for three months, appearing in the media for 'photo ops' in parades on holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veteran's Day. I do believe that there are a handful of them who honestly revere these holidays and know in their hearts the true meaning of those holidays and I thank them for being an example to the population at large.
For those families who have lost a father, brother, uncle, mother, sister, cousin.......their memorial candle shines brightly in their darkness. Their sadness and loss is real and they are offended by the lack of patriotism and honor that should be accorded to their lost loved ones on this special holiday........and they live it every day of their lives.
In December 2000 a resolution was passed which asks Americans "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing, for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps' at 3pm on Memorial Day. It is a step in the right direction to bring awareness to the purpose of this holiday.
When Congress made the day into a three day weekend in 1971 it made it easy for people to be distracted from the true meaning of Memorial Day. If it were officially observed on it's original May 30 every year, perhaps Americans would treat the day as the solemn, even sacred day that it deserves.
We, as Americans, owe everything to our fallen, no matter the war or the generation. My involvement with our wounded warriors and their families, hearing their stories and seeing the pain for their lost brothers, keeps that reverence alive in me every day. All Americans, whether personally connected to the military or not, should never forget those who have laid down their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy every day.
I have always felt that the greeting "Happy Memorial Day" was completely inappropriate. I prefer to remind people to remember the reason for their long holiday weekend. I pray that the citizens of this great country will take a few moments to let their minds wander back over the decades of many wars and the many thousands who gave their lives for America. It is the very least we can do. I pray that at 3pm on May 30 America will remember and say a little prayer of gratitude. I wish you a blessed and meaningful Memorial Day.
Monday, May 13, 2013
A LIFE SAVING PRAYER CHAIN
A LIFE SAVING PRAYER CHAIN
There are times when watching the national news triggers memories and bring a personal event back to the forefront of my mind. This is one of those stories......about organ donations and how crucial they are.
Back in March 2010 my mother received a call from a neighbor Betty, whom she knew as an acquaintance but not really a close friend. Betty had been on kidney dialysis for a long time. She was in need of a kidney desperately or she would not live. It was that simple. A kidney or she would die. She knew from my mother that I was actively involved in prayer at my church and via the internet and asked her to ask me if I might reach out through my church and through emails searching for a kidney donor. I felt blessed to be given the opportunity to do this, and one of the people in my prayer chain has a prayer chain of his own that reaches all over the country.....it is nation wide and goes out each morning five days a week and in emergencies on weekends. This was the start of a chain of events that glorifies our awesome God!! Once again He was going to connect those who needed to be connected.
Just days after his prayer request went out a young lady in Delaware responded. Everything was to take place at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and Beth drove down there several times. The matching process began...multitudes of tests that normally take months or close to a year to complete. This young woman was a missionary and had plans to return to the mission field in Africa at the end of the year, therefore they needed to speed up the process once the initial tests proved to be a match. It is very rare that someone outside the family will be a match!
The hospital also wanted her to have twelve weeks of recovery time after the surgery. The surgery was scheduled for late September. A week or two before the surgery she went hiking and was bitten by a tick. They then had to postpone the surgery while they ran more blood tests to make sure there were no unexpected complications from the tick bite. Once they determined that they were cleared to proceed the surgery was rescheduled for October. With that delay of the surgery there was a critical and very small window of time for the procedure to take place while allowing for the recovery time afterward.
Here is an interesting twist to this story..........when kidney transplant surgeries are planned, the hospital often arranges for pairs of donors and recipients to be prepped for surgery at the same time, a kidney chain, so to speak. In this case there were two pairs ready and waiting...two donors and two recipients. This young missionary's kidney did not go to Betty, but to the other recipient who was in need. In Beth's words, "Just another cool aspect to the story; while I was in the hospital recovering, there was a guy there named Sean who was also somehow part of our kidney chain. Since I wasn't a match for Betty, we did a paired donor exchange. So I think Betty actually got his kidney, and mine went to the person he was donating on behalf of."
Beth was able to recover in time for her mission trip and so ended the series of events that started with an email prayer request.....or so I thought. Last Friday I woke up with the decision to write about this chain of events but knew there were some important details I was not able to recall. I had not heard from Beth in many months as she did send a periodic update from the mission field. To my surprise, I got an email from her that very same morning!!!! Beth was able to pull together the details of the entire process from start to finish with approximate dates which is how I able to quote the information that she supplied. God does work in mysterious ways and He always provides what we need......and so often His timing benefits our timing! How awesome to know I have such a God I can always count on.....from the smallest of details in my life to the enormous moving of mountains......
There are times when watching the national news triggers memories and bring a personal event back to the forefront of my mind. This is one of those stories......about organ donations and how crucial they are.
Back in March 2010 my mother received a call from a neighbor Betty, whom she knew as an acquaintance but not really a close friend. Betty had been on kidney dialysis for a long time. She was in need of a kidney desperately or she would not live. It was that simple. A kidney or she would die. She knew from my mother that I was actively involved in prayer at my church and via the internet and asked her to ask me if I might reach out through my church and through emails searching for a kidney donor. I felt blessed to be given the opportunity to do this, and one of the people in my prayer chain has a prayer chain of his own that reaches all over the country.....it is nation wide and goes out each morning five days a week and in emergencies on weekends. This was the start of a chain of events that glorifies our awesome God!! Once again He was going to connect those who needed to be connected.
Just days after his prayer request went out a young lady in Delaware responded. Everything was to take place at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and Beth drove down there several times. The matching process began...multitudes of tests that normally take months or close to a year to complete. This young woman was a missionary and had plans to return to the mission field in Africa at the end of the year, therefore they needed to speed up the process once the initial tests proved to be a match. It is very rare that someone outside the family will be a match!
The hospital also wanted her to have twelve weeks of recovery time after the surgery. The surgery was scheduled for late September. A week or two before the surgery she went hiking and was bitten by a tick. They then had to postpone the surgery while they ran more blood tests to make sure there were no unexpected complications from the tick bite. Once they determined that they were cleared to proceed the surgery was rescheduled for October. With that delay of the surgery there was a critical and very small window of time for the procedure to take place while allowing for the recovery time afterward.
Here is an interesting twist to this story..........when kidney transplant surgeries are planned, the hospital often arranges for pairs of donors and recipients to be prepped for surgery at the same time, a kidney chain, so to speak. In this case there were two pairs ready and waiting...two donors and two recipients. This young missionary's kidney did not go to Betty, but to the other recipient who was in need. In Beth's words, "Just another cool aspect to the story; while I was in the hospital recovering, there was a guy there named Sean who was also somehow part of our kidney chain. Since I wasn't a match for Betty, we did a paired donor exchange. So I think Betty actually got his kidney, and mine went to the person he was donating on behalf of."
Beth was able to recover in time for her mission trip and so ended the series of events that started with an email prayer request.....or so I thought. Last Friday I woke up with the decision to write about this chain of events but knew there were some important details I was not able to recall. I had not heard from Beth in many months as she did send a periodic update from the mission field. To my surprise, I got an email from her that very same morning!!!! Beth was able to pull together the details of the entire process from start to finish with approximate dates which is how I able to quote the information that she supplied. God does work in mysterious ways and He always provides what we need......and so often His timing benefits our timing! How awesome to know I have such a God I can always count on.....from the smallest of details in my life to the enormous moving of mountains......
Monday, April 29, 2013
THE SONG THAT CAUGHT MY HEART
THE SONG THAT CAUGHT MY HEART
The last eight years visiting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda allowed me to experience so many friendships at so many levels. From patients to their families and staff. As I have written in previous columns, I consider each of these relationships a blessing in every way. Naturally I feel acutely aware of the issues that affect our wounded warriors......their challenges and their goals.
In the summer of 2011 a friend posted a video on the internet that captured my ears and my heart. That video was "Still in The Fight" produced by Bill Brown, and featuring three wounded warriors......Kyle Carpenter, Spanky Gibson and Aaron Mankin. The singer/songwriter is Mike Corrado, LtCol of Marines at the Wounded Warrior Regiment. It is a tremendous video that draws attention to the struggles and the courage of our war wounded warriors.
One of those warriors, Kyle Carpenter, I had the honor of meeting shortly after he was admitted to the hospital in November 2010. Of course he would not remember that visit, as he was not in very good shape at the time due to his serious injuries. But I can tell you meeting him had quite an impact on me. He was a fighter.........it was evident from the start. His family was there surrounding his bedside that Christmas. Today Kyle has become an inspirational example of overcoming those injuries...far surpassing even what the doctors believed possible!!!
Back to the video............when I first watched it I was so impressed that I watched it numerous times and then knew I had to contact the producer and tell him what an incredible film he had created! At the time there was a fund drive taking place to raise money to make the video into a feature film. I found a link that provided the name of Bill Brown's company and when I got the phone number I called Bill directly. It was a call that was meant to be. We spoke for nearly an hour, but if you know Bill, that is easy to do! He is such a personable guy and we had so many facets of the military, the wounded and such that we could relate to. Most important was that I wanted him to know that I was truly impressed by the video and the song. That was the beginning of a special friendship.
As time passed and it became 2012 the video gave birth to the documentary of the same name, 'Still in the Fight.' Bill made several visits to Walter Reed for filming and that gave us the opportunity to meet over lunch with his partner Billy Lewis. What a pleasure it was to spend a little quality time together and speak of the film and it's future.
The rest of the story is history......later that year, October to be exact, Bill asked me if I would consider writing some of the experiences I had relayed to him over the phone. He believed that the wondrous ways God has been working in my life would make good reading....stories that others would appreciate. At first I hesitated, having not written seriously except business letters when needed
or when requesting donations for the care packages I ship that you have read about. After a few minutes I realized he was right.......that the stories that were floating around in my head might be worth putting down on paper. Thus the beginning of my new career as a columnist! I am indebted to Bill for opening that door for me....a door that God knew would open one day.....and last October was the time. I have to say that I feel incredibly blessed by the responses I have received when friends and strangers read about the events that have taken place in my life. I regret not keeping a journal all those years, as friends suggested I do......so I have to wait now for something to trigger the memories and then I am able to share them with you, the readers. Thank you all for your positive reinforcement and comments. Perhaps if Bill would allow, I would love to hear from some of you who are not in my familiar circle of friends. Hopefully I can continue to count on my memory to bring these ever so special recollections to you on a regular basis!
The last eight years visiting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - Bethesda allowed me to experience so many friendships at so many levels. From patients to their families and staff. As I have written in previous columns, I consider each of these relationships a blessing in every way. Naturally I feel acutely aware of the issues that affect our wounded warriors......their challenges and their goals.
In the summer of 2011 a friend posted a video on the internet that captured my ears and my heart. That video was "Still in The Fight" produced by Bill Brown, and featuring three wounded warriors......Kyle Carpenter, Spanky Gibson and Aaron Mankin. The singer/songwriter is Mike Corrado, LtCol of Marines at the Wounded Warrior Regiment. It is a tremendous video that draws attention to the struggles and the courage of our war wounded warriors.
One of those warriors, Kyle Carpenter, I had the honor of meeting shortly after he was admitted to the hospital in November 2010. Of course he would not remember that visit, as he was not in very good shape at the time due to his serious injuries. But I can tell you meeting him had quite an impact on me. He was a fighter.........it was evident from the start. His family was there surrounding his bedside that Christmas. Today Kyle has become an inspirational example of overcoming those injuries...far surpassing even what the doctors believed possible!!!
Back to the video............when I first watched it I was so impressed that I watched it numerous times and then knew I had to contact the producer and tell him what an incredible film he had created! At the time there was a fund drive taking place to raise money to make the video into a feature film. I found a link that provided the name of Bill Brown's company and when I got the phone number I called Bill directly. It was a call that was meant to be. We spoke for nearly an hour, but if you know Bill, that is easy to do! He is such a personable guy and we had so many facets of the military, the wounded and such that we could relate to. Most important was that I wanted him to know that I was truly impressed by the video and the song. That was the beginning of a special friendship.
As time passed and it became 2012 the video gave birth to the documentary of the same name, 'Still in the Fight.' Bill made several visits to Walter Reed for filming and that gave us the opportunity to meet over lunch with his partner Billy Lewis. What a pleasure it was to spend a little quality time together and speak of the film and it's future.
The rest of the story is history......later that year, October to be exact, Bill asked me if I would consider writing some of the experiences I had relayed to him over the phone. He believed that the wondrous ways God has been working in my life would make good reading....stories that others would appreciate. At first I hesitated, having not written seriously except business letters when needed
or when requesting donations for the care packages I ship that you have read about. After a few minutes I realized he was right.......that the stories that were floating around in my head might be worth putting down on paper. Thus the beginning of my new career as a columnist! I am indebted to Bill for opening that door for me....a door that God knew would open one day.....and last October was the time. I have to say that I feel incredibly blessed by the responses I have received when friends and strangers read about the events that have taken place in my life. I regret not keeping a journal all those years, as friends suggested I do......so I have to wait now for something to trigger the memories and then I am able to share them with you, the readers. Thank you all for your positive reinforcement and comments. Perhaps if Bill would allow, I would love to hear from some of you who are not in my familiar circle of friends. Hopefully I can continue to count on my memory to bring these ever so special recollections to you on a regular basis!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
A FAMILIAR NAME
A FAMILIAR NAME
Eleven years ago when I embarked on this journey to support our troops in the Middle East with care packages I decided I should print many of the emails that pertained to the packages. Not just 'thank you' emails, but newsletters from the various units I shipped to, news articles from all media sources, and more. I had no idea what I would do with them, but I printed them and saved them. Files for particular individual recipients, specific units and each of their deployments, etc, many of whom I have written about in the articles you have read. The funny thing is, from the beginning, dozens of people suggested I keep a journal of all the amazing things that have transpired over those eleven years. I am not the sort of person who journals every day. Of course now I regret not doing so, as I have to rely on my memory for the multitude of notable experiences that have had such an impact in my life. Too late now.....and I have been through all the files, mountains of them. There are still a few good stories to relate in those files, and today I am sharing one that really is amazing!
As I have written in the past my nephew Alex McBride was with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and was deployed to Iraq 2005-2006 for his last deployment based out of Al Qaim. There were several significant missions during that deployment, one being Operation Steel Curtain, and it was a difficult tour filled with too many casualties. Multiple missions, one after the other, nearly constant combat and constant danger. The chaplains deployed with their Marines and Sailors had their work cut out for them. Offering advice of all sorts, along with sharing God's word and comfort in times of fear. As many of you know from being in combat, often one feels closer to God in times of terror and the unknown. I can only speak from the stories that have been related to me by those who have lived with that fear and from the chaplains themselves.
As I was reading through a folder last week for Alex's last deployment, I came across the name of the chaplain who was serving with 3/6 at the time. His name was LT Bryan Crittendon. Not exactly a common name, and surely there could not be more than one Navy Chaplain with the same name. The reason it caught my eye was because I am shipping packages now to a chaplain....LCDR Bryan Crittendon.
Immediately I wrote an email to the current Chaplain Crittendon, inquiring whether he was in Iraq with 3/6 back in '05-'06 and whether the name Alex McBride sounded familiar. He replied almost immediately that the name rang a bell, but he could not place the face that went with the name. I responded with a short description.....Alex was 5'4", had been with India Company and had sent me a photo of him being baptized. Alex had written that although it would have been meaningful to be baptized in the Euphrates River it was dangerous and very dirty. Well, guess what? Chaplain Crittendon remembered distinctly building a baptistery outside their little chapel and baptizing Alex!!! That was seven years and many deployments ago, but he remembered vividly that day near the Euphrates where Alex was baptized and could now put a face to the name. We were both stunned at the connection after all these years!
Chaplain Crittendon is still serving with the Marines and Sailors of Camp Lejeune but with a different unit. Once again I have the honor of supporting him and the men with whom he is serving, imparting his wisdom, advice and comfort. Once again life comes full circle.......connecting each of us in a very special way that only God could orchestrate.
Eleven years ago when I embarked on this journey to support our troops in the Middle East with care packages I decided I should print many of the emails that pertained to the packages. Not just 'thank you' emails, but newsletters from the various units I shipped to, news articles from all media sources, and more. I had no idea what I would do with them, but I printed them and saved them. Files for particular individual recipients, specific units and each of their deployments, etc, many of whom I have written about in the articles you have read. The funny thing is, from the beginning, dozens of people suggested I keep a journal of all the amazing things that have transpired over those eleven years. I am not the sort of person who journals every day. Of course now I regret not doing so, as I have to rely on my memory for the multitude of notable experiences that have had such an impact in my life. Too late now.....and I have been through all the files, mountains of them. There are still a few good stories to relate in those files, and today I am sharing one that really is amazing!
As I have written in the past my nephew Alex McBride was with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and was deployed to Iraq 2005-2006 for his last deployment based out of Al Qaim. There were several significant missions during that deployment, one being Operation Steel Curtain, and it was a difficult tour filled with too many casualties. Multiple missions, one after the other, nearly constant combat and constant danger. The chaplains deployed with their Marines and Sailors had their work cut out for them. Offering advice of all sorts, along with sharing God's word and comfort in times of fear. As many of you know from being in combat, often one feels closer to God in times of terror and the unknown. I can only speak from the stories that have been related to me by those who have lived with that fear and from the chaplains themselves.
As I was reading through a folder last week for Alex's last deployment, I came across the name of the chaplain who was serving with 3/6 at the time. His name was LT Bryan Crittendon. Not exactly a common name, and surely there could not be more than one Navy Chaplain with the same name. The reason it caught my eye was because I am shipping packages now to a chaplain....LCDR Bryan Crittendon.
Immediately I wrote an email to the current Chaplain Crittendon, inquiring whether he was in Iraq with 3/6 back in '05-'06 and whether the name Alex McBride sounded familiar. He replied almost immediately that the name rang a bell, but he could not place the face that went with the name. I responded with a short description.....Alex was 5'4", had been with India Company and had sent me a photo of him being baptized. Alex had written that although it would have been meaningful to be baptized in the Euphrates River it was dangerous and very dirty. Well, guess what? Chaplain Crittendon remembered distinctly building a baptistery outside their little chapel and baptizing Alex!!! That was seven years and many deployments ago, but he remembered vividly that day near the Euphrates where Alex was baptized and could now put a face to the name. We were both stunned at the connection after all these years!
Chaplain Crittendon is still serving with the Marines and Sailors of Camp Lejeune but with a different unit. Once again I have the honor of supporting him and the men with whom he is serving, imparting his wisdom, advice and comfort. Once again life comes full circle.......connecting each of us in a very special way that only God could orchestrate.
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