Saying "Thank You" to a Soldier this Christmas...

I was raised with a strong affection towards our Flag, our Troops and our Veterans. Jason was raised the same way. We both have a very large soft spot for anything and everything patriotic. It is common when our family is out to dinner that Jason will see a man in uniform walk in, and without hesitation anonymously pick up the tab. We have been in grocery stores and the man in front of us will be a man in uniform and Jason will pay his bill. Anytime we are out and about, when my kids see a man/woman in uniform they will go up to them, stick their hand out, shake their hand and say thank you. I tear up every single time.

We have lived in our neighborhood almost 5 years. On our way out of the neighborhood we pass a house that belongs to a soldier and his family. He has two small girls, and a cute little wife. Over the past five years I have seen him leave and many months later return home.(Sign draped over the front of the house and all) I have seen him return home, in full gear, with his huge duffel bag, in his front yard with his girls and his wife draped on his arms fighting for hugs. Yes, I tear up every time... I just can't help it! Just being out and about our paths have crossed many times(in the grocery store or at the pharmacy), and he is one of the kindest, most polite men I have ever met. How do you say thank you to a guy like that... enough. I don't really believe you can, but our family has decided we are going to give it our best shot.

Every year, as I'm sure many of you do, we choose a special place that our family can give something extra special at Christmas. We have done Samaritan's Purse, Secret Santa to a family in need, Christmas dinner for shut ins, etc... This year we are going to make it our goal to say "Thank You", not just to him, but to his wife and sweet girls. They sacrifice as a family, allowing him to do what he does for all of us. We are so excited, and are truly praying for God's guidance in putting this together. We really want to show the love of Christ to this family, and truly bless them in a way that will glorify God... not us. My boys have already had some great ideas, their enthusiasm makes me so proud. If you all think about it, please pray for us as we seek HIS leading in this project. I will keep you all posted on how it all turns out.