A Special Care Package

There is something to be said for friends that you have not seen or heard from for a very long time but still manage to make you feel special after many years of dormant relations. I was recently reminded of this sentiment.

Many, many years ago, back when the road I grew up on was dirt and the national anthem was a daily ritual in school, I had a friend that lived one road down from me. This in itself was special because I rarely had anyone within ten miles of me that I played with. Going to a friend's house was a chore to my parents who had to drive many miles to drop me off and pick me up for my "play dates". So when Nicole and I became friends, I am sure our parents were relieved to learn we were practically neighbors in the rural roads of Havana. We used to play together, had horses together and went through high school playing sports together. But as some friendships do, ours sort of dissolved over the years after I graduated and with the exception of seeing her mom every once in awhile and keeping up with her on Facebook, Nicole and I hadn't interacted in YEARS.

A few weeks ago I got a message from her on Facebook asking me about Chad. She learned that he had recently deployed and told me she had an idea she wanted to run by me. Her oldest son, Haden, was having a birthday and the theme for his party was super heroes. Of course I am sure this was complete with Superman, Batman and Spiderman decorations and snacks. But she wanted to take it a step further. She wanted to get the kids to make a special care package during the party to send to a soldier and teach them about being a 'real' super hero. She asked me if I would mind if they used Chad as their soldier. Of course, I had tears in my eyes when I read this!! I was completely honored to have her send it to Chad. I know he will love it and she could not have chosen a better soldier to send it to. I wish I could be there when he gets it and see his face when he opens the box up. He is a sucker for these sorts of things!

Thanks, Nicole. You sincerely touched me when you brought this idea up and I hope I am half the wonderful mother that you are. What an exceptional thing to do with your kids. I know Chad will be thrilled and honored when he gets his package.

Haden sending the package

Haden, Owen and Brody sending off the package