John's Story

Part of the importance of this blog is to share my experience with adopting soldiers, and their stories. They are each near and dear to me. I will be sharing a story about each from time to time. I will of course use fictional names. Here is John's story.

After adopting John, I sent a quick email as usual, as well as a soldier survey that helps guide me as to what his needs or wants are. Luckily he had a private email and was able to respond within a couple of days. He told me a bit about himself and after filling out the survey I was surprised to see his requests. He listed a few snacks here and there but it all summed up to be about things he NEEDED, rather than wanted. He requested a pillow because he did not have his own. He also requested a twin sheet set as well as a few toiletries that they had not had available on hand lately.

I went to the store and started collecting the items he requested. About an hour and $50 later I was packing up his two boxes. $24 for shipping costs and then his two boxes were in the mail and on their way. He received them very quickly, only 6 days later. I received an email upon his receiving. This is what it contained:


"I would very much so like to thank you for the well appreciated packages. They
both made my day they were the first packages I recieved so that was one thing.
The sheets with the fabric softner was so nice I haven't smelled anyting that
smelled that good in about three months. My soldiers were begging me for the
brownies but I told them I would share. The pillow was so thoughtful I really
needed that the store was out of them and toothpaste. Again I thank you from the
bottom of my heart the package made me feel like a kid again at christmas.
Please keep in touch PLEASE."


It nearly brought tears to my eyes after reading it. These are things that we take for granted on a daily basis. Can you imagine not having your own pillow? How about running out of toothpaste and not having the access to buy more?

I love how he pointed out the fabric softeners. I washed all of his stuff before packaging it and was sure to add extra dryer sheets so that when he opened the bags it would smell wonderful!

Two days after he had received the packages I had another email in my inbox:

"i am sorry inform you that all the things you sent along with all my stuff were in a fire in my room i lost everything ...i am borrowing things from fellow ssoldiers until i find out what the army is going to do again sorry to be sending you bad news but i needed to talk to someone because it could have been my life instead of material things or both" I am so THANKFUL that John is doing okay. The most important thing is that he was not there when this fire took place. I am also very happy that he knows that I am here for him if he needs anyone to talk to. That is what this organization is about. Being here to support someone when they may need a *hug from home*. We need to help these soldiers understand that they are not forgotten while they are overseas.