Slow Down and Enjoy the Holiday

Not finished your party planning? Still getting the decorations finished, tablecloths ironed and the good china dusted off for a New Year's Party?

Maybe you're like me and still rushing around like a crazy fool trying to "tie off all those loose ends" before a few well deserved "days off".

I was at WalMart the other day shopping for Christmas and as always there never seemed to be enough hours in the day to do all I had to do. But, we find the time don't we? Sometimes, however, it's at the expense of others or other important things going on around us. As I was rushing to find a parking space which didn't require a Passport to travel into the main store, I saw a young man crossing to enter the store. Since I was 2 cars behind and hoping those in front of me wouldn't get the primo spaces I started to get antsy hoping this guy would move faster. As I lined up directly behind him I realized his delay was caused by a prosthetic on his left leg just below the knee. Immediately recognizing the gray Army T-shirt I stopped thinking poorly of his delayed gait and a tear came to my eye. His service and his sacrifice earned him the right to take his time just as much as anyone else. It was ME, the impatient person who had the problem.

We take many things for granted in this world and one thing is "our freedom". A freedom which is secured by soldiers in all ranks, from all ethnic groups and from every city and state across this great nation of ours. We owe these service members our undying thanks for their service and sacrifice.

So, next time you are in a rush and don't know what's causing it...slow down and be patient. We can't always move as fast as we want, we can't always get things done as fast as we want and we certainly can't do any more than we are capable of doing at that moment...much like our soldier in the parking lot.

Make this New Year a positive one by saying thanks to your family, your friends and your co-workers for being in your life. If you see a soldier on the street, say thanks. If you want to make a more lasting impact, consider supporting the non-profits and charities across this nation which serve our military and their families. To make a difference you can go to www.operationhomefront.net/hamptonroads and donate now! Or, you can text PATRIOT to 90999 on your cell phone and $5 will be donated to Operation Homefront Hampton Roads in your name. No muss...no fusss...it will be charged directly to your phone bill and you can use your billing to claim your tax deduction.

May each and every American have a Happy New Year and THANKS to all active duty/activated guard/activated reserve who serve here and around the globe as members of our US Military. Thanks as well to our military families who serve as well here at home!