Got Some Free Time?

I enjoy volunteering my time for a person or an organization.  I don’t drive, and I like to write, so one of the ways I volunteer is to write letters.  One of my past commitments included Adopt A Platoon.  I chose to write about them today because I just received their e-newsletter Full Battle Rattle and it jogged some pleasant memories from the dusty recesses of my brain!

Go to http://www.adoptaplatoon.org/ and, on the left-hand side of the page, you can click on Pages/Ways to Support, and there are several from which to choose.  I was a Pen Pal and wrote a letter each week.  Now, up front, A.A.P. will tell you (and I will tell you here) NOT to expect a reply.  If your soldier does reply, that’s really wonderful but, oftentimes, they are simply too busy.  Even so, they do appreciate hearing from home.  I know I would were I in the same situation.

Pleasant memories?  One time, I was able to meet one of my soldiers face-to-face when he was stationed at an Army base here.  That was just off-the-charts!

I also like Green Beans Coffee at http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/ where you may buy coffee or another beverage for one service member or ANY number!  There is an option to send a note and say “Thanks!” with your coffee and indicate if you would like to be email “pen pals.”  To this day, I still touch base with one of my coffee recipients!

So, who knows what experiences are waiting for you when you invest a little of your time in those who are defending our country?!

Wait a minute Mister Postman

I am a dyed-in-the-wool letter-writer.  Email is fine for exchanging jokes, sharing photos and short updates with friends on the other side of the country or just down the street.  But, there’s just SOMEthing about receiving a letter or card in the mail from a good friend, addressed to you alone.  I think it’s knowing that someone cares enough to want to share this piece of their life with you.  It’s knowing that your friend knows that this could be oh-so-boring to other people – “I made a good, strong, hot pot of coffee this morning.  It’s gray and raining buckets here.  I have a massive headache, but I’m still going to try to do some writing this afternoon….” 

But Friendship is the bond between you.  It’s knowing that, upon opening this envelope, I am about to be transported miles from my home to a small, friendly kitchen in another part of the country…another part of the world.  I can almost see my friend’s face through the steam from the cup of coffee…almost inhale the woodsy fragrances of her home…almost hear soft strains of music wafting from the dining room…almost feel the warmth and silky fur of her cat on my lap…almost as good as being right there with her.

…I must be off now.  I think I’m going to go write a letter and mail some love.