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"And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963) Inaugural address, January 20, 1961



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I received so many beautiful emails in response to my story about Noah last week - it just filled my heart! I have posted a few of them in the Letter Box, but I want each of you to know how much they mean to me and I am saving them in a file for Noah to read when he's older. Thank you! Today's story is a timely piece from one American man finding a way to do more. Thanks Kelly! (And ladies, he's sweet and he's single!)



"Moment of Clarity"
by Kelly Souther


I found myself with a moment of free time and decided that I would share something that was on my mind. My life recently has been filled with work, work and more work. I would rush home at the end of the day to see my boys and to tune into what was happening in Iraq. (I will admit that I kept the tv going back and forth between CNN and NCAA Basketball.)

Last night I had some thoughts that made me realize what a great country I live in. One of the letter carriers in our office is part of the Wyoming National Guard. I was sitting in front of my tv and started to think about him. He is a good guy, quiet and he did his share. He is a regular guy, you know, working and taking care of his family. We haven't spoken a lot in the past just because we were always so busy getting our mail out the door and delivered to our customers.

My thoughts were of him in his military uniform as he came in to give our supervisor his paperwork to leave work to serve our country. He was pumped up and excited, the pride was just coming off of him. I noticed that he was walking a bit taller and his shoulders seemed to be pulled back. For a moment I was actually jealous of his deployment, thinking to myself, "Wow if I wasn't a single parent I would love to be going with him."

That is where my thoughts come to a point. When he left the office that morning, I didn't shake his hand and thank him. I didn't tell him to keep his head down nor did I wish him a speedy return. This man with whom I had worked side by side was leaving his family and his home to go and defend our country against an agressive dictator who poses a threat against my way of life. I watch CNN and I think about if I had taken two minutes to tell him to come home safe, at least he would know I appreciate his sacrifice. I have an incredible amount of guilt because I let my day-to-day rush get in the way of not saying thank you to someone brave enough to do what most of us can't.

I am sharing thisbecause I know the next time I see a person with enough courage to protect our way of life, I am going to shake their hand and I am going to say thank you. Policemen, firemen, hospital workers, military personnel. These are people that deserve our thanks. I have a lot of great friends and my life is very secure and happy and I say that because people have sacrificed for me. Veterans should always have a place in our hearts and lives. So in conclusion, be thankful for and to these wonderful people and go and make friends with a family whose loved ones are fighting for us. I know I am going to. God Bless Us and God Bless the USA.

Kelly Souther copyright 2003
bdcs@sweetwaterhsa.com

As a follow up to my moment of clarity:

At the time I was concluding my little note, the President was speaking to a group of veterans in Washington. He mentioned a program through the military that would place volunteers with families of deployed soldiers. You just help them around their homes - anything that might be of an assistance to them. There is a group called Family Readiness Program(1-800-635-4917). They put you in touch with a local chapter so you can start helping those families of sacrifice. I dont know if this is just in Wyoming or a national number. My best advice for people looking to help is to contact your states National Guard. I am looking forward to giving something back. If you live in Wyoming, http://wyoguard.state.wy.us


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SPRING BOUTIQUE! Our Spring Boutique is online with wonderful gifts for Easter and anytime! Our 2TheHeart family members have worked hard to share their talents online, so come and support them at our Boutique! www.2theheart.com/Boutique

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The Letter Box:



Sooz,

I have been giving your lovely story about your angel Noah some thought and have come to the realization that these 'miniature' angels are really full blown angels inhabiting undersized bodies. My reasoning? They love with a pure love that withholds nothing and embraces the stranger in the full light of the love of God. When we get to the point when we give all the love we have in us uncritically to whoever needs it, we are truly angelic. God bless the Kaysville Angels.

Ronnie Bray



Susan,
Wow, I'm trying so hard to hold back the tears. I can only imagine how your heart felt when you saw your little boy playing with those children. I have a friend who is hearing impaired. I know a little sign language, but what I don't know we make up in writing. He is such a wonderful person and a joy to talk to. He always talks about how if it weren't for his mother he would not be where he is today. I can tell you that when your son grows up I'm sure he will feel the same way. ~Donna N.



Dear Susan,
Today's story is a testament to the innocence of children and how they really see into ones heart not what is showing on the outside. I feel Noah has found not just a friend but a friend or so for life! He will always remember the kind treatment he was given on that day.

More power to you and your family and the way you share your Faith with us. Angel Hugs and chocolate, Geneva



Susan,
What a story! Can heaven ever compete with as day as great as that! Hugs to Noah from us and his new friends too! Sunny & Layne McClure



Dear Susan -- What a delight that Noah found friends in answer to prayer. I may be 71 years old but my husband and I moved to a new community three years ago and the Lord graciously gave me an e-mail friend in answer to a desperate prayer for a friend. I may not know exactly what she looks like but the love we have can only be matched by the one who gave us to each other in the first place -- the one we both pray to. God bless you and yours Mary Carol Romans83839mc@juno.com



Susan,
Please keep the Noah stories coming. They're wonderful and such a blessing. I hope one day you'll consider putting them in a book. Joyce Heiser



Susan,
Lord have mercy! You sure know how to make a mother 'boo-hoo'! What a beautiful story! God always hears our prayers....and didn't he answer yours in multitudes?! Great story....and also a great lesson in trust! Yours and Noah's! I loved it! Blessings, my friend! Sue Henley


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