Dear Service Hero,
Thank you! It hardly seems enough. A simple “thank you” isn’t enough, but it’s what I have to bring to you in this moment.
I could lie and say that I know how you feel, but I don’t. I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re feeling so far from home and in the midst of such uncertainty. I’m sorry that I do not appreciate you more. I’m sorry that it takes a letter writing initiative to cause me to pause long enough to recognize that my freedom isn’t free at all. Please forgive me when I take for granted all of the luxuries I am afforded because of your sacrifice. I am so blessed because of you and the work you do everyday.
As I put pen to paper (or finger to keys), in an effort to offer my sincere thanks, my heart swells with gratitude. Thank you. Thank you. A thousand times, Thank you. For protecting the life of a girl like me who has done absolutely nothing to deserve it. I am overcome with thanksgiving.
I pray that God’s hand will be upon you. That he will guide your steps and bring you home, safely and quickly. May the Lord bless you and keep you, my brave friend. May he make his face shine upon you and grant you peace, evermore.
Love and Light,
Just as James Freeman prayed this for all soldiers in World War II, I pray this for you.
This is my second year participating in The Bert Show‘s Big Thank You! They make it really easy by giving step by step instructions on letter format, drop-off locations and deadline. Last year I wrote letters because I felt it was the “right” thing to do. This year, as I began writing, it was different. I connected to the person who would be reading my words. I saw them as a human being who was far from home and missing their family. It made all the difference in the world.
It also made me realize that there is really no excuse for not appreciating the men and women sacrificing every detail of their lives for us. The Bert Show thought of everything and removes all excuses. Though the deadline for letters has come and gone, I would encourage you to sit down and write a letter or several letters to a service member.
If any of you reading are in the service or have ever been in the service, this post was written for you. Thank you.
For those of you who would like one, here is the PDF version of the prayer: Prayer for Protection
Even A Girl Like Me 
Joy,
My son was in the ARMY and deployed to Irag twice, Afghanistan, and Haiti. He got out in January. When you have a family member in service then I think in a sense you all are in as well. We thank God that Levi is home safe in body and mind. Some of his buddies did not make it back. I appreciate your letter to our service men.
thanks,
Mark
Thank you for your thoughts Mark.
Please relay my most genuine thanks to your son. He is a true hero.
Joy,..thank you for writing this letter. I know some soldier who really needs your letter will receive it. Thank you for sharing it with me. God’s blessings to that soldier and to you My Dear Friend!
Thank you, Janie.