THE VERETAN'S HOSPITAL

On Monday December 22, 2008 I had an appointment at the Veteran's Hospital in Dublin, Georgia.
A slogan we hear all the time, "Freedom is not free.", became a fact as I witnessed the men and women at this facility. On leaving the campus I noticed an inscription on the back of the main entrance sign, "The cost of freedom is visible here." That really drove home just how much many of our men and women pay so we can enjoy what we have. The economic crises and the bail out of the auto makers are not the main concerns of the Veterans there in the hospital and nursing home, rather how are they going to cope with living with out parts of their bodies. Almost every one of the people I talked to there were not depressed or bitter, but have accepted what happened to them as a result of doing their duty for their country. They are amazing people.
While I was there a group of children, probably about ten years old, along with a few adults were getting ready to have a Christmas program for the hospital and nursing home. I know there has been an email going around about sending Christmas cards to Vets at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC, which is a good thing. In every state I believe there is a Veterans facility, so why not visit a Vet instead of sending a card.
As a Veteran I was both proud that I could associate with those who are the true heroes, and upset that we treat our wounded warriors with such
insensitivity. If you want a truly rewarding experience, and a way to share the Christmas spirit visit a Veteran's Hospital or Nursing Home, cards are fine but a visit and a prayer are so much more.

Happy about the season.

Two, two year old cousins waiting for Christmas. Every year Patti, Kris, and Shannon put up the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving, which excites the little ones thinking that it is time for Santa Clause.

Nutcracker 2008

For the second year Ema performed in the Nutcracker ballet.

Of course, she posed for the cameras afterwards, sporting a huge bouquet of flowers befitting a premier ballerina.