| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 06:36:14 AM
This young man's sister frequents the horse board I moderate. He sent home this letter during the holidays, but she just recently got it. (She was out of town, and it was in her spam file.) I thought it'd be pertinent to post anyway, because it isn't so much about Christmas as it is about gratitude. I hope you find as much meaning in it as I did.
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Being in the AF, I have had a chance to see a little of the world that most have not seen and will not ever see. I have been to 11 different countries, and that is not including the US. I have had a chance to go to Senegal, which is in Africa for those who do not know, and now I am in Kuwait.
As a country, the people in the US are living in royalty compared to the people of Africa and Kuwait. In Dakar, Senegal it was the norm to see donkeys attached to a cart, garbage in the street, people with dirty or torn clothes, kids without shoes, and clay huts with rags draping over a hole that we would normally consider a window or a doorway.
In Kuwait there are many immigrants from India, and Pakistan. These people come over to work very hard for 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week, for only about $300 a month. They do this so they can support their families back in their homeland. Many of them have wives and kids, and I never see them complain about their situation. Most will greet you with a smile and offer their hand to shake as your friend.
My point I am trying to make is, this Christmas Season, after all the presents are opened and everyone has eaten till they can't eat no more, and your sitting around the house upset that you got a gift from the Dollar Tree, sit back and think of these people, who leave their families for several years at a time. Think of the children that walk bare-footed down the streets in Africa, searching for something to eat for breakfast. And as you do, look around you, at your couch, at your TV with cable or satellite, and the egg nog in your hand. Also look at your refridgerator, which is probably full of leftovers that will last a week, and be thankful this Christmas Season that you are an American that can enjoy those "extra" things that most of us think we need to live.
Also think of the people that are in parts of the world to ensure you keep those "extra" things, and know at that very moment, they continue to bring the fight to someone else's doorstep so it is not on yours, or your mother's or grandmother's. And be thankful the closest you will ever be to war, is what is shown on CNN, so you can freely criticize the President for it.
To close, be truly thankful God has blessed you and your family with everything you have. Because Christmas is not about the material gifts or their value, it is about the priceless gifts you seldom take notice to, such as what this holiday season is really for. Sit back and pause a moment on Christmas, and thank God for his Son, your family and friends, for the soldier at a checkpoint in Iraq wondering if the next car is going to explode, for the food in your kitchen and the warm blankets in your bed, and last but not least, thank God for the small insignificant gift, the one that you were embarrassed to receive, the one that cost the least, the one from the Dollar Tree.
God Bless and have A Very Merry Christmas!!!
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| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 4:43:59 PM
As one who is close to this war (most of you know hubbys been twice) I understand the feelings of bitterness but I also know there is much good being done that is NEVER talked about because people have thier own agendas.
Thanks for the letter it is a good reminder of the thins we often take for granted, even living in Germany we saw how spoiled most American's are - and Germnay has one of the highest standards of living in Europe. Every day there are service men and women putting thier lives on the line even in times of peace.
May we be truly grateful for the blessings the Lord has chosen to bestow on us.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| MustangSuzie |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 2:38:28 PM
It would be wonderful to see this letter published in a major newspaper or magazine. It is so true, we are so very blessed to be in America. If anyone deserves the royal treatment it is our men and women serving in the armed forces. |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 1:33:31 PM
Laura, your not unloading your just posting your feelings like the rest of us. I wish we could use some of that money to help others around the world like dafur.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| horse |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 1:00:26 PM
Loved the letter. I agree with you Michele, I don't agree with this war and i am a military mom. My oldest son is in the military. He recieved his medical discharge papers from the Marines the first of January and guess what , he came in yesterday and has joined the National Guard. On top of that he volunterred to go to Irag. I'm proud of my son, but this is one time where I can't get between him and danger. Understand? Like I tell him, we go over there and blow up Irag then come back in and rebuild it.? We have people here in our own country that need the help . I'm sorry , I'm just very bitter about this war. To be honest , very bitter with the government. Sorry I unloaded my problems on you all.
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 07:49:39 AM
it is a wonderful letter Mary Ann & thanks for sharing it. When I see the images of dafur and other areas & how these people live & the hell they go through everyday, its heartbreaking. You don't have to agree w/ this war( I don't) to understand & appreciate all the sacrifices that our military & their families make. Most of us have family and /or friends fighting & we support everyone of them.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| bboopster |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 07:27:16 AM
Oh Mary Ann Thank you for sharing. This letter brought tears to my eyes. I here these comments everyday and my heart goes out to the people of the world. Most of those living in these third world countries have no freedoms or choices in how they live and we criticize these people for their way of life. Because we haven't walked a mile in their shoes. As most of you know my 3 sons are in the Army and if I were to start counting I can come up with more then 20 other relatives and close friends who are or have family in the miliarty fighting to protect our freedoms which includes the freedom to criticize not only our president but also those who CHOSE of their own free will to serve the US. We are a country of wastefullness and materialistic ways. Please pray for our service people, our president, and the people of the world that we might some day all live together in peace and harmony.
3 Blue Star Mother and PROUD of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Jan 06 2007 : 06:53:08 AM
Very nice letter Mary Ann, reminds us to be thankful for what we have.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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