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When I first began working in center city, it was inevitable that I would encounter homeless people in the subways, laying on sidewalk steam grates, and other cement make-shift “residences” throughout the city. I never had a problem handing them what change I had in my pocket at the time as long as I could keep moving, shouting a quick “Thank you, you too” as I responded to their “God Bless You” or “Have a nice day”. It was important to keep moving. Time was of the essence. I had places to go and people to see. It was also important, however, that in my hurry, I at least in some small way acknowledged that I saw the homeless person even if it was to say that I don’t have any change today knowing full well if I took a minute to scavenge  the bottom of my purse, I could easily be deemed mistaken.

My mind harkens back to something I once heard someone say which seemed to make a lot of sense and that I never forgot- one of the purest, most genuine, and authentic acts of giving is when you feel you don’t have it to give and you give it anyway. Think about it. Makes sense, right? Giving is a gift that when you give to others you gift yourself as well. Having fully genuinely bought into this mindset, I no longer exclaim that I don’t have any change when being asked for money by those who appear to be in need. It’s simply not true and I hope it never will be.

According to the World Giving Index, which is a study of world-wide charitable behavior, America was the 5^th most charitable giving country in the world in 2011. Australia was the 1^st followed by Iceland, Canada, New Zealand and then US. Not too shabby. This means that more than 50% of a nation’s population participated in 1 of 3 acts of giving in any given month including donating money, volunteering time, and helping a stranger.

Many of you probably remember being a kid like it was yesterday, so it isn’t a leap to consider how it might feel to be a child of a military family. Like most things, it has its pros and cons. And it is unlike what the majority of Americans would perceive as ordinary day-to-day living.

Remember your first day of school or any event in your life when you were the only one who didn’t know anybody, surrounded by strangers, and in an unfamiliar environment? One doesn’t even have to reflect back to childhood to recall that feeling.     

The military child frequently has that experience and it doesn’t necessarily mean attending a new school here in the States. It could be a new school in another country. Saying goodbye to friends you may never see again and meeting kids who have yet to become friends is par for the course.

Remember taking your child to school for the first time and experiencing not only their separation anxiety but your own? Being fully present as your child managed to morph into the ole ball and chain around your ankle as you tried to make your way to the door despite the ankle weight causing you to drag your foot across the floor?

How about holidays like Thanksgiving when families come together or birthdays, graduations, proms, first dates, heartbreaks, doing whatever it takes – to celebrate… knowing that your dad or mom or sibling will not and cannot be there to share the occasion with you? At least not in person. Some of those occasions just happen to be once in a lifetime events. Military children endure that experience as part of the sacrifices they routinely make for US.

The National Military Family Association helps to raise awareness and funds that are designated for programs and support specifically for the military child – OUR unsung heroes. Currently, individual donations for Operation Purple Heart for the Month of the Military Child are considerably lagging behind last year’s support.

So, you know where I’m going with this. Can you hear opportunity knocking? I can!  I know, oh no, here she goes! Bear with me. It’s my last blog post of the month. I want to be sure that you understand just how important you are to this mission. As a former military child, I’m asking you to please join me in supporting the children who honor our country and support us all as a way of life. Your support really is a Win-Win for everyone!

5 Minutes, $5 and PASS IT ON! That’s it. That’s all. Oh, and this…

Click on the Link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcYQMx_Izbg

To donate, click the link below.

http://www.militaryfamily.org/get-involved/donate/giving-opp/

NOTE:  Be sure to type “GrowGratitude” in the Comments section.

If you prefer to DONATE BY PHONE, please call  703-931-6632, ext. 325. Be sure to mention “GrowGratitude” !  

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

See You Next Wednesday!    OXOXOXO