That's Why I Love My Town

I love my town for many reasons. Santa Claus made one of those reasons evident tonight. Each year, the fire department tows Santa on a flatbed sleigh around the streets of our town. One of the fireman elves hands out candy canes to the children. To let everyone know he is coming, one of the Fire Engines drives ahead and sounds the siren. It is truly wonderful.

This year, one of the neighbors was told that Santa would be coming around at 6 p.m. Somebody gave her bad information. Santa did not arrive to our street until about 8. Maybe he started on the other side of town and worked his way over. I am not sure. What I do know is that it kind of made it more exciting. All of us were anticipating his arrival, and nobody was disappointed when he came.

My almost 20 month old son may be too young yet to understand that Santa Claus is going to bring him gifts next week; but, he is certainly old enough to recognize him. As soon as he saw the master elf, he shouted "Santa!" The girls were equally mesmerized. They just stared at him on his sleigh for a while. Finally, they started waving at him. He waved back and gave a hearty, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" And he was off to make some other child's night.

I say thank you to our local fire department for doing this each year. And God Bless you for being firemen in the first place. You are real heroes.

Have You Thanked a Soldier Today?

I watched a little bit of “Minute To Win It” tonight on television. I never thought that show would bring tears to my eyes. Tonight's contestants were two Iraq War Heroes. These soldiers were in the same squad and each lost one of their legs in the same attack.

I listened to these two heroes talk about how they depended on each other so much during their recovery, and how much they still do to this day. It is amazing how strong people can be. The best part of the show (at least of what I saw) was when they had the doctor who worked on them in the field come out. It was awesome. If you can find it on NBC.com or YouTube, you need to watch it. I am not able to do it justice here. This was first time they had seen the man who had saved their lives since the day he had worked on them. I was choked-up.

It may be cliched to say this, but it really does make me think about life and how lucky we are in this country. No doubt, we Americans have our issues – every family does. But, we also have Greatness. We have women and men who willing sacrifice life and limb to protect us and others around the world. It does not matter whether you agree with the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan or any other mission on which these heroes are sent. They pledged oaths to follow the orders that they were given. So please do not forget how much these heroes and their families are giving up for us.

These two men in particular gave up their legs and the lives they knew when they left for Iraq. They will never be the same, and their families will never be the same. The lives of the people they have touched will never be the same - I hope in a positive way. I know I think differently every time I hear a story from a Veteran. So, next time you see a Veteran, say thank you.