A Christmas Cards Means the World to a Soldier

    You may not realize the power of a Christmas or Holiday card. However, if you've ever been away from your family for the holidays, you may know how much it can mean.

A Christmas Card Means the World to a Soldier

    I start watching Hallmark Christmas movies the morning after Halloween. They fill me with happiness, love, and hope. You see to me, Christmas is a feeling. People tend to be happier, kinder, and just full of love, especially this time of the year. One of mine and Liam's favorite movies is The Christmas Card.

    In case you haven't seen it, Faith sends cards to soldiers every holiday season. Her card touches one soldier so much, that when he's placed on medical leave, he goes to that town. I'm not going to tell you the rest, so you'll have to watch it to see what happens. However, my point is that soldiers really do love to get cards and letters of love and encouragement. Especially for the holidays. So why not make them feel loved and thanked from across the miles?

You Will Need Some Note Cards

    To get started, you will need some holiday (or any cards.) I chose these ones from Amazon. I picked them because I loved the whimsical images, and also because the inside of the cards are completely blank. That leaves you and your children plenty of room to write kind words and thoughts. Thanksgiving is this week, so what better way to show your thanks than to the men and women whom keep our country free. 

Where to Send

    There are lots of posts going around on Facebook that give the address to Walter Reed Medical Center for sending cards. However, that address is now defunct and any and all items sent will come straight back to you. I know this for a fact because Liam and I received all of our back a few years ago. I have done some research since then, and I have found other sites that will gladly take your cards of kindness. Check them out:

• A Million Thanks
• The American Red Cross 
• Cheers for Heroes
• Letters to the Troops

What I DON'T Have to do This Thanksgiving

     You know what I'm thankful for, especially this time of year? I'm thankful for an extended family that gets it. They really get it.

    Every Thanksgiving my one aunt on dad's side, hosts a ginormous dinner for all of the family. We each bring dishes to pass. We're so big that they have to fully extend their table, and even put a table in the living room for the rest of us. My cousin, her hubby, her three boys and my family share that table.

    I remember the first year we went with Beans. I was nervous how he'd do with so many people. He wasn't yet diagnosed, so I just thought he was anti social like myself. We took breaks and he ate nothing. Several family members asked if he was hungry, I just told them no. It was really no big deal. It was the same thing for the next four years.

    Then in 2010, he was diagnosed. Just a month before Thanksgiving. So that year my dad's family were the first of our extended family to learn that autism was coming to dinner! I'll never forget how receptive they all were. They all asked questions. They all listened intently. They never treated him any different from any of the other kids, but they also stopped asking if he was hungry.

    They all know he won't eat anything that's offered. We're lucky if he eats a bit of turkey. They don't make a fuss about it. They don't ask him where his food is. They don't bug him about not eating. If he leaves the room to get away from noise, they only ask if he's okay.

    I don't have to make excuses. I don't have to explain why he does the things he does. I don't have to quiet his stims, or explain his phrases (thanks to Miss Donna his SLP.) Lastly, I don't have to apologize if he's too rough, or too loud, or too rambunctious.

    They GET IT. They GET HIM! Matter of fact, my mom told me that some of my aunts have been "researching autism on the internet, so they can learn more."

     I'm pretty thankful for this family of mine. And I know that if Liam were able to better express his feelings, he'd second that notion. All he really says is, "Is it turkey day? Can I go see my cousins now?"





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