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Flat Daddy shows military family resiliency.
By elaine | May 18, 2009
I know it sounds so cliché, but have you hugged your loved ones today? Or for that matter just really thought about how much you love them? As my schedule gets busier and busier I catch myself complaining sometimes about how much I have to do. Sometimes I am not as appreciative as I should be about my life and I find myself needing a reminder that I have a great life. I have a husband who loves me, a wonderful son, 4 beloved granddaughters, a nice house, great friends, a job I love where I get to interact with cool military family members who remind me what it means to be resilient,…the list goes on and on. Still I find myself taking for granted all I have to be thankful for.
Well no more negativity from me! I just received a short email from one of those great military family members I mentioned above. She was the recipient of a donated Flat Daddy® around Christmas time last year through the generous gift of one of our Operation Connect a Family contributors. I have protected her privacy by removing proper names. I think you will see from her email why I believe in Flat Daddy® and wish every service member’s family could have one. (Get your tissues ready)… Here is the email:
Hi Elaine,
It’s been some time since I received my Flat Daddy and I want to apologize for it taking so long for me to write. I received it in December, just in time to have it around before Daddy came home for R&R. I truly believe that this helped our son, (1 1/2 years old), recognize Daddy at the airport. For that, I cannot thank you enough. He would walk around the house hugging the Flat Daddy around the neck and would give him kisses. When real Daddy arrived at the airport for R&R, he knew exactly who he was and grabbed right onto him. It was beautiful. We had a wonderful 2 weeks with Daddy while he was home. Unfortunately, just 4 days after he returned to Afghanistan, my husband was killed by an IED.
I just cannot thank you enough for what you have given my son and our family. The Flat Daddy still is in my son’s room and he still kisses it and hugs it. I don’t let him carry it around anymore though because it got bent and I’m afraid of injuring him anymore! It really warms my heart to know that this helps him recognize Daddy. While my husband was home, we were miraculously able to conceive another child. I am definitely going to order another Flat Daddy for our new little guy for his bedroom too as I know how much this has helped. I’m moving in a few weeks, so I don’t want to order it quite yet as I know things are about to get even more hectic for our family.
I just wanted to take the time to write and tell you how amazing your idea is. I am truly so grateful and will forever be. Thank you so much.
So go hug your loved ones. Time is precious, be thankful. Blessings, Elaine
If you would like to donate a Flat Daddy® to a family that needs one, please visit www.operationconnectafamily.com/ or contact us at 303-430-0592.
Topics: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
June 3rd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Elaine, that letter is a killer. Is there a way that I can replace her damaged flat daddy for the oldest child?
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Beth, what a kind and wonderful offer! Actually, the man who purchased the original Flat Daddy has already done that, along with a voucher for one for her 2nd child! But…that said…I still have 7 families currently on my receiving list and you can make a difference in one of THEIR lives. (hint, hint) If you’d like to, you can purchase a voucher at http://www.OperationConnectAFamily.com. Thank you so much for caring about this project.