Valentine’s Day Brings A Nice Surprise for me. I took this photo of two lovebirds in Victoria, Canada.
It is interesting how life takes twists and turns. We never know what may come our way. If you asked me 25 years ago that my life would have turned out the way it has, I would have said you are nuts. I was very self-sufficient and taught to be extremely independent. Yet, now I need help.
Today’s mail came dated on Valentine’s Day from the Department of Veteran’s Affair. I thought to myself could this be my “love” letter from them that began two years ago? Indeed it was. After serving in the military as active duty in Desert Storm overseas and then staying “available” for 15 years for call back, the military finally wrote me a “love” letter.
Here are the HIGHLIGHTS:
Dear Mrs. Alesiablogs (changed for you who know me by this name),
We made a decision (in my favor) on your claim for service connected compensation….This letter tells you about your entitlement amount and payment start date…Your Award Amount and Payment Start Date is shown below…………….
As you can see it was a good letter for me to receive. I do not feel happier from this though to be honest with you. Please do not take this in the wrong way. I am happy for the decision, but my life is so different due to my illness that it is a catch 22. I am learning a new way though. In fact as I received this letter I was on my way to a volunteer effort. Giving back and providing my time for a needed purpose is becoming part of my legacy. What is yours going to be? Did you know there are over 50,000 nonprofit organizations across the country? By volunteering, I am learning a new kind of happy.
alesiablogs 
I am glad you will be receiving what you deserve and understand the irony in which it comes. God bless and thank you for your service to this great country. 🙂
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John,
Thank you. It is good to know that there is help out there for us Vets. I would not have been able to fill out the information if it had not been for my sister’s help. Her husband insisted upon me doing it and I am glad I took his advice. Hope your weekend has been going well!! Alesia
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Very well indeed here! There darn well should be help. I hear too many stories about veterans who get the shaft and a cold shoulder from a government that seems to not give a crap about them and it’s wrong.
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That’s awesome – congrats. Yes, volunteering feels good – wish I had more time and energy for it. That recent day with the NW Harvest folks made me want to change my vocation. Thanks for sharing Alesia! – Bill
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Bill,
thank you. Believe me when I was nursing and taking care of my son with autism and my other son, I had no time at all! Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Alesia
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I too, have found helping others to be quite therapeutic.
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It really is Mrs. P. Hope you are having a great weekend! Alesia
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Congratulations on your good news AND on your volunteering. Paying it forward is the best way to go through life!
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Patricia, thank you. Alesia
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That is awesome news Alesia!! Happy for you and for your honesty in your blogs. I agree with you, serving others is very rewarding and something I want to do more of. Thank you for sharing
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Laila, Again I am grateful for those in my life that know way more than I could ever share on this blog. I try to be raw with what I feel is worthy of sharing, but some things in life must stay sacred as you know. Love you and appreciate your friendship even more today than when I first met you. Alesia
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It’s strange how we’re conditioned to feel guilty for needing help. One day I may be able to help another, one day it may be me asking for help. Peace to you and your corner of the blogosphere.
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Jeff, Thank you so much! Alesia
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First of all, congratulations on receiving the benefits that you earned. They would NOT have been granted were they not deserved. Cupcake and I volunteer as a therapy team at the local Veteran’s Home. Rewarding does not even begin to describe the feeling of being a volunteer. Everyone who holds her or pets her or watches her do a trick thanks me. ME?? I thank them right back – not just for their service, but for sharing their smiles and their stories and for letting us into their lives for a few minutes. I have been challenged physically with RA, since I was 17 years old, so our prayers on VA Day are in gratitude for the strength to visit and share some giggles and Cupcake kisses with people that need her little ray of sunshine in their day.
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That is really cute what you do.
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You already helped all of us by sacrificing and serving in the military. Now, it’s time for us to help you! I can understand feeling that you’re caught in a “catch 22” sort of situation. On the one hand, you would never have asked for what has happened in your life. You would have never asked for help if given the choice. But, I’m very happy that our country — and, by extension, that means ME, as a citizen — can finally do something for you. It’s only a small thank-you for everything you’ve given as a soldier.
But even if your life is different than expected … even if you find you need help … you are still giving back so much and helping so many people — through your blog and through the different volunteer efforts you undertake.
I hope this comment makes sense. This was one of those times when the emotions were strong and seemed to get in the way of letting me express myself clearly. I hope it’s OK, but I’m going to send many, many, many HUGE internet *HUGS* your way. Thank you for being you!
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Thank you for all your kind words. It is amazing to me that folks have taken an interest in my world. It is such a tiny space we take up, but when you add writing to that world-it opens you up to folks in unusual ways. I never expected to express myself and see the wonderful words as you have just expressed come back to me. Bless you and your family. Alesia
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l do enjoy your take on life.Regards
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Thank you for that. I really try to be honest. I like truth and I share with a heart for all to be at peace in their own way. God bless you.
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God bless you too.
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