Thank you rings hollow, tears flow when I think of them. I see faces I want to touch, hands I want to clasp. My heart aches with gratitude and sorrow.
Last August, as my D3 and I sat at the airport in Shannon Ireland, waiting for our flight home, we were suddenly surrounded by men and women of the US military. Some smiling and chatting, some quiet - grabbing some rest. They were on their way away from home (Texas)- toward danger in Baghdad. We took time to chat with some, there was one young woman in the group who had a tiny mandolin in her hands. She was trying to figure out how to tune it. She'd bought it to bring along and maybe learn a little how to play during her precious down time. My D3 reached for the mandolin with a smile, quickly tuned it and handed it back. Then explained the tuning and gave the soldier a few tips. I was so very proud - of both of them. D3 probably gave the soldier a gift greater than anything I could have. I hope that young woman is safe now - maybe even home.
Last August, as my D3 and I sat at the airport in Shannon Ireland, waiting for our flight home, we were suddenly surrounded by men and women of the US military. Some smiling and chatting, some quiet - grabbing some rest. They were on their way away from home (Texas)- toward danger in Baghdad. We took time to chat with some, there was one young woman in the group who had a tiny mandolin in her hands. She was trying to figure out how to tune it. She'd bought it to bring along and maybe learn a little how to play during her precious down time. My D3 reached for the mandolin with a smile, quickly tuned it and handed it back. Then explained the tuning and gave the soldier a few tips. I was so very proud - of both of them. D3 probably gave the soldier a gift greater than anything I could have. I hope that young woman is safe now - maybe even home.
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"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
What a wonderful gift your daughter gave to someone else! It's as if she was meant to be there right at that time.
That was sort of how I felt about it.
Wow, gave me goose bumps. Thank you for sharing that story. I love to hear good news and people being nice to our military.
God bless D3 and you (for raising such a great kid).
Hi Patti. I came from Boudicca's Voice. I read your comments about your daughter's music and figured I could probably learn much from you as my 4-yo wants to play the Irish fiddle. Then I came over and read your "about me" and came to like you more as I am an evil conservative, too. Then I read your Memorial Day story and, well, we've had similar experiences in Shannon. Not with instruments, but my eldest is a hugger- and we always thank our soldiers whenever we see them (hubby was in the Army- Big Red 1). I would love to talk with you. I'm easy to contact via www.HaveKidWillTravel.com (check out our Ireland photos!) or www.IowaGeekOnline.com.
Sorry for the length of this. I hope I wasn't too forward. Jody
No problem Jody! I am up for any discussion of kids, kids and music, kids and travel and even evil conservatism :)