Never Underestimate...

...the power of the written word. In our world of technology and an ever shrinking world we have more "friends" than ever, and yet, we are more alone than ever. In our busy lives it seems we don't even have time to smile at each other, much less write. Despite this truth, this week I saw a show of such great thanks and appreciation come pouring into my living room floor.

About two weeks ago I took on the project of helping to welcome home the single marines in Robert's squadron. We had more than 200 young men and women who would be coming home to the barracks. Some had family in town, but not all. So, I set to securing more than 200 dozen homemade cookies (never underestimate the power of women on a mission - thanks ladies!) and a thank you note to go with each of them. With one click of the mouse the email was out and the responses came as quickly.

Men and women across this country so excited and honored for the opportunity to express their gratitude to young men and women they will never meet sent letters of thanks. Some came with pictures, some in emails, some on index cards and some in beautiful envelopes; all filled with such pride and emotion for these "kids" who risk their lives so that we may continue to live ours as we wish. One of the neatest ones said this, "If you ever wonder who you are fighting for I've included a picture of my children."

In the end I received over 600 thank you notes in just a little more than a week, most from people I don't even know. The single marines received a package of letters, as opposed to just one. While myself and those who wrote, will never hear an audible thank you or get the joy of seeing the look on a 20-year-old's face as he/she sits in a barracks room alone to read the greatfulness of a nation; we know to never underestimate the power of the written word.