The Gifts of Deer and Elk

I love our Soldiers. Their courage never ceases to humble me, and their kindness sometimes brings me to tears.  They have this uncanny ability to know when someone is feeling, as my friend Leta says, "down-town" - and then step up to try to make everything just a wee bit better. Never mind that they know down-town very well, themselves ...

Now, I pride myself on being able to weather every storm and never let 'em see me sweat. Or so I thought.

One day, not too long after I returned from Afghanistan, one of our Soldiers dropped by to say hello, mysteriously bearing a cooler.  He said he was in attendance at an event where I had recently made my rounds, smiling, hugging and greeting long lost friends. He had just gone hunting and since he knew I liked wild game, he wanted to share some of his elk with me!  He said I looked sad and needed something special. What a precious gift ... and let me just say that I've never had better!!

Not a month later, just after I learned of the death of my dad, another Soldier came by to visit, said he had been hunting and since I was so nice would I like some of his venison! Would I!? He returned a few days later with steaks, ground, and cutlets ... an unbelievable cache of deer meat.  He was so proud of his hunting success and still asks me if I want any more!

So, as I sort through my house, I make my way to the kitchen, open the freezer and ... aaack ... it's full of meat.  I smile, touch each package, think of the Soldiers who gifted me with their conquests ... and realize how lucky I have been to have made so many very special friends here.

Now, what to make for dinner .......