Saturday, July 3, 2010

It's an Honor...and Thank You very Much




Faces, beautiful faces ... young, full of life, determination, pride.  I opened my email today to see another warm, caring face of a young man. He is handsome, strong, with beautiful eyes and is wearing the obvious military green.  His name is Michael.  Michael.  What a proud name and it really seems to fit him.  Michael's mother  sent me his picture so that we could make a charm of her soldier son for her.

We do soldier charms for those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.  You can see them at RoseBlossomCottage.com under 
A Soldier's Charm 
It is our small way of paying respect and expressing gratitude.  If you go to the page, you can see some of the ones that we have done through the years there.  It has been such a treasure to do these for wives and mothers of our finest citizens.    Often they generously share stories with me.  One wanted to get her charm for the day of her first anniversary.  She was spending it alone, and she wanted to sleep with it under her pillow.  Another had her three little girls vying to get to wear it around the house after she got home from work. (He has since come home and is surely enjoying those little ones along with his lovely wife.) And yet another lives 40 miles from us.  Her husband was in the next building when the Ft. Hood shooting happened.  These wonderful ladies (and gentlemen, too!) support our heroes.  For that I am forever in awe of them.


I was just telling my husband Sam how sweet  the emails are.  I am so struck how softly, humbly each one comes requesting a charm.  They are so grateful.  And yet, our efforts are such small, insignificant tokens in the scheme of things.  What these soldiers and their families do is immeasurable.  Yet they are grateful that we would do such a thing for them.  Let me tell you, everyone I know is so thankful for our soldiers and their families.  We don't always express it well or know how to let our bravest know, but we do.  So God Bless each and every soldier and military family!

Well, I had better get back to work.  Thank you for letting me share this passion with you.  I have to get going on this next batch of charms as each one is many stepped production.  We try to wait until we have many requests so they can be done at one time due to the process.  But this time it will be a small batch.  It has Janet's daughter, a local soldier, and Michael among them.  Janet has waited long enough and Michael's must be done now.  I don't want his mom to wait at all. You see, Michael is a Fallen Hero.  He was killed in Kandahar at the age of 20.  I am sure that Michael would appreciate  us taking care of her in that respect.  It is the least we can do.  Yes, this is a special batch as they all are.

I will sign off with a hearty thank you to all soldiers, past and present, and their families.  Without you, the 4th of July would be just another day.

And now you know, dear reader, what we mean when we say in our tagline..."Where charming is just half of the story..."

17 comments:

  1. These charms are so amazing. I can only imagine how comforting it is for the recipients of such a heartfelt gesture.

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  2. Kim, what a touching story. Will send prayers for Michael's mom as well as the other moms, wives, family members and friends of all who are serving our country.

    My DH's youngest son is currently in Afghanistan and I have been meaning to get a photo to you. I think his mother would be so proud to have one of these special charms.

    You are doing such a wonderful thing here and I am sure you have touched the hearts of so many with these lovely charms.

    Vera
    Olivia Paige

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  3. What a wonderful story and heartwarming contribution to our soldiers families. I know how appreciative these families must feel that someone cares enough to do this for them. You're very special Kim. I hope you won't mind if I repost this on FB.

    Hugs,
    Joyce

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  4. Lisa, thank you very much. You represent MakeMinePink.com so well.

    Vera, it would be an honor.

    Joyce, you are too kind and very special, too. We would love any help you can give to get the word out so that we can bring a little joy to more.

    Bless you all, Pinkies!

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  5. Kim,
    I love this post and even more, I love what you are doing for these special, special heroes! Thanks for sharing this moving story with us and God bless you as you reach out in this unique & fitting way to the families & loved ones of our troops, those who protect us and our great country.
    Blessings,
    Mary Patterson (MMP)
    http://MarysCottageTreasures.com/

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  6. Mary, you are so very sweet! Thank you so much for your kind words. I just saw on a news channel (CNN, I think) where a group of home builders are building homes for the injured soldiers. Makes you real proud to be an American!

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  7. What a beautiful thing you are doing for the loved ones and the soldiers that are making it possible for us to live free in this wonderful country! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
    oxoxo, Helene

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  8. Kim,
    This is such a wonderful post. And what a wonderful thing to do.
    Marie

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  9. What a beautiful gesture of gratitude and love. A perfect post for our Independence Day. Thank you dear Kim.
    xo
    Susie
    The Polka Dot Rose

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  10. What a touching story, must admit it always brings it home to us what the troops are doing, living near a garison town when the flag is at half mast, thank you for sharing. Caroline x

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  11. Hi Kim, what a great post for 4th of July. I know we have talked about their stories before and they always touch me. There comes a point when we know what is important, what really matters. Keep up the good work! (()) gail

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  12. Wonderful and touching post my good friend came in last night from Iraq and leaves to go back tomorrow! Great to see him although so sad he is heading right back!
    hugs sassy gail

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  13. What an incredible blessing you are to our families that have loved ones that serve our country.
    Thank you for sharing your heart and your talent :)
    Lani

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  14. These are so neat.. I think you have a HUGH HIT on your hands. Great job.. Gourgeous.. Kath'

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  15. Kim, I have been in awe of you for so long now carrying on this project with very little fanfare. You are providing such a special service to those who have loved in the service. One of your charms I know of is up here in my neck of the woods and I know how much it is cherished. I have never seen this Mom without her charm around her neck.
    Hugs,
    Pat
    Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings
    www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com
    www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com

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  16. Oh Kim those charms are beautiful. What a wonderful way to support our troops. I love it. You have a magic touch and just love all your jewelry. Hope your day is truly happy.
    xoxo
    Janet
    Janets Creative Pillows

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