Sailor's Mom is touched by public's appreciation (3/13/2011)

[Carol]

SAILOR'S MOM IS TOUCHED BY PUBLIC'S APPRECIATION

DEAR ABBY: I'm the mother of a U.S. Navy sailor who has been the recipient of random acts of kindness from complete strangers. I was most affected personally when a woman stopped us in a large parking garage in Chicago to say, "Thank you for your service, young man." And there was a stranger who paid for my son's meal in an airport when he had a layover on his way home for Christmas. Another time, we were in a line to see a movie and the attendant waved us to the front of the line -- and everyone smiled about it. Whenever my son goes anywhere in uniform, he's stopped by people who just want to say thank you. I'm amazed and thrilled. Part of the reason I am so touched is I was a teenager living in San Diego during the Vietnam era. At that time, young people in the military were cursed and reviled. It was a shameful time in our history when people serving their country could not be proud of their service. Today, I am proud of my son, and he is able to be proud of himself and his decision to enlist in the Navy. So, thank you to all you folks who show your gratitude to our service members by the little things you do. You not only touch that person, but their extended family as well. -- PROUD MOM IN OVERLAND PARK, KAN. DEAR PROUD MOM: I'm pleased to pass along your sentiments -- and honored you chose me to be the messenger. All of us owe our thanks and support to those brave young men and women who have dedicated themselves -- and who risk their lives -- in service to our country. Not only should we thank them when we see them, but we should also pray for their safe return.

[Navy Ma]

Carol,

 What a wonderful story. When my son came in 28 days ago he told me he flew first class from Japan to Illinois where he spent time with his family there. When he left Peoria and into Chicago, a business man he had been speaking to gave up his first class seat. Then from Chicago to New Orleans, a stewardess went to his economy seat and asked if he'd prefer more leg room (my son is 6'5''), I think about these kind jestures by people and it gives me goosebumps. I am so very proud to be a Navy Ma, and the way our military is being treated now is so very much better than before. I am so glad this country is finally seeing how much we all need all of our military.

  

[Carol]

I just thought it was important to post a positive message with the situation in Japan and what's going on. My heart goes out to the entire nation. I wonder if they will ever recover.

 

Thanks for telling me about the experiences your son has had. He deserves it!

 

Remember the commercial where the soldiers come off the plane and people stand up and start clapping for them, and the looks on their faces? Gave me goose bumps!

 

I'm also on Facebook if you want to check my pictures out. (Carol McGuinn)

[Cat(Mom of an AO)]

When my son finsihed BC a man had approached him to say thank you. He looked at me and said, but I havent even done anything yet. It is so nice to hear kind words from people who really appreciate the sacrifices made by the military.

 

My son is finishing up his A school and already has his orders and will be going to Japan. 

 

Great article Carol.

 

Good Bless our Sailors