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Started by Bratalie, September 22, 2006, 09:35:03 AM

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me

#6615
December 16, 2009, 01:56:16 PM
Thank you for that PH.  Two of my daughters were also in that situation as well as others in my family.  I had one daughter stationed in Iceland and the other in Germany for two Christmas' and it was hard on all of us.  I do hope they show up and you all enjoy your day to the fullest.
Quote from: Palehorse on December 16, 2009, 01:30:01 PM
Well I got sheared and did a bit of the shopping I have left to do. The rest I am putting off until tomorrow to combine tasks; since I have to go to Muncie tomorrow I can do that. . . :icon_twisted:

While I was in the barber-shop, there were 4 U.S. Army Sgt's in the shop. I listened to their banter as they took turns getting into the chair. Whenever the barber turned the topic to family and the holidays, one or more of them would make a short answer and turn the subject toward something else.

Before long the barber just came right out and asked them why they didn't seem to want to talk about the holidays and family. One spoke up and said that all 4 of them are from other states and cannot get home to their families until after the New Year because of their work. . .

As I sat in the chair I reflected on the many times I had found myself in the same situation throughout my years, and how my own son had spent several holiday seasons in a foreign country within an active theater of operations. I remember how depressed it would make me to think about what and who I was missing, and so I did what these guys were doing and just not think about it.  I recall my son telling me he dealt with it similarly. . .

By the time the barber got finished with me, the 3rd guy was also getting out of the chair. I walked up to him and thanked him for his service to our country, shook his hand, and wished him a merry Christmas; then did the same with the other 3. We talked for a bit about their work and what brought them to Anderson, and eventually I got around to asking them what they had planned for the holiday next week. . .

Each year on Christmas Day evening, my wife and I cook a special dinner for our close friends and family members who can make it. This year my son and his new wife are attending. It is always a special time for my wife and I, and this year we have a really big ham to cook.

I fished around in my coat for a pen and some paper. I wrote down my name, address, and phone number on 4 pieces of paper and handed them to these four men in uniform. I told them that if they had no other plans and could find their way to that address, that my family and friends would be honored to have them come to our home for a dinner of baked Ham and all the trimmings, and spend some time with us doing the usual holiday stuff, games, carols, adult beverages, and maybe even a movie or something.

One of them asked me with his eyes welling up, "Why would you do this? You don't even know us."

I told him about the years my own son spent in similar situations and told him that he would be here this year too, and that I am sure my son would be more than pleased to see them there. Then I told them all, You guys don't know me either, yet you put on that uniform and you risk your lives to defend the rights of everyone. That's enough for me, my family, and friends. You guys are welcome in our home and we would be honored to have you if you will come. It is the least we can do for you.

I hope they come!  :smile:
Trump 2020

Sandy Eggo

#6616
December 16, 2009, 02:13:27 PM
PH -You are the most genuinely thoughful and generous person that I've never met :biggrin: What a heartwarming perspective you have and what an absolutely wonderful gesture. :yes:
Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten. - -Cree Indian Prophecy

"Women who strive to be equal to men lack ambitition" -- anonymous

Palehorse

#6617
December 16, 2009, 02:31:22 PM
I dunno about all of that, but I have been in the dumps over the last few weeks.

I suppose it kind of goes back to something Pari posted about taking the most enjoyment out of being able to give rather than receive. Having the year 2009 turned out to be for me certainly doesn't lend itself toward the ability to give material things, and I suppose that has been the driver behind it all. . . I just can't afford to do what I normally do this year. . .and it has been dragging me down. . .

But I have been thinking about that too. . . And when I was listening to those men it just kind of hit me that right here was an opportunity to do what I can do right now, and so I did not hesitate. I called my wife and told her about it and she's excited about it as well.

So I guess while on the surface it appears to be some kind of act of kindness, there's some personal greed buried in there too; for like Pari, I also take the greatest enjoyment from being able to give rather than receive. Those 4 men presented me with an opportunity to do that with what I have, rather than what I wish I had. And right now that is a very welcome situation for a lot of us.

I just sincerely hope they take me up on it!  :yes:
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

followsthewolf

#6618
December 16, 2009, 02:34:16 PM
Horseguy -- Big "Thumbs Up" to ya.

Just the offer made the year for those guys, whether they show up or not.

Woulda made a huge difference to me back in the day.
Ignorance and fanaticism are ravenous. They require constant feeding.

Sandy Eggo

#6619
December 16, 2009, 02:48:43 PM
FTW is right as usual. :yes:  Even to feel that way shows what generous hearts you and Mrs. Horse and Pari have.

So, I'll be by myself for Christmas day this year...if I leave Monday.... :biggrin:
Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten. - -Cree Indian Prophecy

"Women who strive to be equal to men lack ambitition" -- anonymous

Henry Hawk

#6620
December 16, 2009, 02:52:16 PM
Not to embarrass PH, but IF you was to look in the dictionary for class act.... :yes: ..you would see a picture of the horse there... :yes: ...I hope they show up and it is a win/win situation for all.
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
Ecclesiastes 10:2 - It all makes sense to me now...


"The future ain't what it used to be."– Yogi Berra

"Square roots are rarely found on any plant." FTW

damfast

#6621
December 16, 2009, 03:05:28 PM
what a wonderful idea to invite them!  you are giving your family a much more important gift this year.

however, i expect my yearly delivery of diamonds o great one.

:biggrin2:
It's always darkest before the dawn.  So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

Palehorse

#6622
December 16, 2009, 03:11:10 PM
Quote from: damfast on December 16, 2009, 03:05:28 PM
what a wonderful idea to invite them!  you are giving your family a much more important gift this year.

however, i expect my yearly delivery of diamonds o great one.

:biggrin2:

:tree:
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

pariann

#6623
December 16, 2009, 03:20:31 PM
You know, I never think of anything I say on here to really spark an inspiration in anyone.  I just tell about myself, so everyone will know me in ways that just banter on the forum doesn't always bring to the surface.   

Over the years I have found that the best I can ever do for anyone is to give them a meal.  I've done this for years, when I've had even less than those I was inviting to the meal.  I enjoy the company, usually, and I enjoy being able to share with someone else what I have the ability to share.   

I hope those soldiers take you up on the offer, I've got a feeling that your home is a lot like mine during the holiday dinner.  A lot of talk, laughter and just mutual enjoyment.  Though with the young kids, my house gets VERY loud.
Looks like I've come full circle.

Palehorse

#6624
December 16, 2009, 03:23:47 PM
The best gifts come from the most unexpected places. . .

My granddaughter in Chicago (4), just called me up and sang me happy birthday on the phone. It brought tears to my eyes!  :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

Henry Hawk

#6625
December 16, 2009, 03:29:14 PM
WELL HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU OL COOT!!!..... :yes:

how did that sneak past us?
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
Ecclesiastes 10:2 - It all makes sense to me now...


"The future ain't what it used to be."– Yogi Berra

"Square roots are rarely found on any plant." FTW

Palehorse

#6626
December 16, 2009, 03:32:21 PM
Thanks. I don't advertise it much. Yah reach 21 and they go downhill from there. . .And I have reached it twice, plus!  :spooked:
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

Locutus

#6627
December 17, 2009, 05:28:47 PM
A bit messy around South Florida today.

One of the gravest dangers to the survival of our republic is an ignorant electorate routinely feeding at the trough of propaganda.   -- Locutus

"We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically."  -- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

Palehorse

#6628
December 17, 2009, 06:51:40 PM
Supposed to snow here this weekend. Probably another false alarm though. . . :rolleyes:
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

me

#6629
December 17, 2009, 07:11:01 PM
I hope so 'cause we've got a Christmas party to go to in Alex Sat night.  Hope it's a false alarm that is.  Now Sunday it can snow all it wants to.
Trump 2020
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