Why care?

We had a bit of a scare recently. I had taken on an e-pal through Soldiers Angels. At first when we started emailing back and forth he seemed a bit unsteady. I had not realised nor had he told me that he had just arrived overseas less then a month before I started writing to him. His first time over there. Of course he would be unsettled. Getting used to things in Iraq. Mortars taking out the showers can be a lot to deal with. Especially if you had been planning on taking one.

It was christmas time, and I had run out of money. So I asked a friend, fellow Angel if she could send him something. A package. I seriously dislike the idea of any Soldier going without a card or something for Christmas. She said fine, and started emailing him as well. Her whole family does. Unlike myself she has internet at home. So her entire family kind of took on this young married man with kids. I still write and send things. For his birthday we double teamed him.

Last week she came to me and said, she hadn’t heard from him in over three weeks. I also hadn’t received a response. But because of not being well, etc. I hadn’t been able to check my email much. This is unusual for him. Very unusual. He writes often and stays in touch. I told her I would check the lists. Wounded, etc. Try not to worry I am sure he just got bogged down with work over there.

My first thought after talking to her and while I was checking the lists, was that I wondered if it was a good idea to have given her his name. For myself, the idea they would be wounded or mortally wounded came and went. Myself and my daughter benefit a great deal from our interaction, with our adopteds and unofficials. It has really been a positive experience. If something were to happen? That shouldn’t stop us from supporting them, or caring. If one soldier knows that people care I have accomplished my purpose.

My friend said someone told her something similar. "You shouldn’t get involved with them. What if something happens? Why would you want to care about someone who is obviously in harms way? You’re setting yourself up for a world of hurt." Especially since these people are strangers and we have never met, may never meet. Why would anyone do that for a complete stranger? Care.

It angers me when people try to say that. Number one, I love the idea of sending complete strangers gifts. Call me goofy. But I think it is very cool. As well, it is because they are in harms way that we are here supporting them. They are in harms way for us. To keep us safe, to fight the battle over there rather then here. They willingly dedicate years of their lives fighting to uphold the freedoms we take for granted.

It is not the time spent, it is what we do with this time here now. My friend will always know she had an incredible effect on this young man. Her support has really helped him to balance out. To help the time fly. The really cool thing about that is her daughter and this soldier share the same birthday. Very cool!!

Our Dirt Sailor in his last letter wrote;
"You will never know how much your caring has meant to us over here."

Even people I don’t send things too benefit, because the ones I do always share with their friends. Plus it’s not just the sending of things. A card or letter can reach a soldier right when they needed something to pull them up, or make them smile. Really it’s the idea of smiles over there and laughter. Really makes us feel good. Another "mission accomplished!!"

So if someone reading this is thinking of joining. Join. Support these brave men and woman!!! You may never hear from them. I haven’t heard from 70 percent of the people I write too etc. But, it’s all right. Receiving isn’t the point. It’s caring and sharing. That matters.

Our Spc is allright. Their internet was fading in and out for a while. He is back on track with writing. He is a blessing to us all!!!

God Bless Our Troops!!