Tomorrow, Karen and I will be taking a trip to the VA in Fayetteville for my endoscopy and, hopefully, a resolution of my feeling puny and not being able to eat without discomfort and pressure in my chest. We are confident that the situation will be resolved and I will feel better.
Today we joined Isy and James on a trip to Silver Dollar City and a fun time of eating, walking, eating, talking to craftsmen, eating and getting out of our normal routine here at TGPP.
We did get some ideas for a planned blacksmith shop in our under-construction Marketplace/Petting Zoo and have some suggestions on places James will be able to get more construction advice for the project. He has worked very hard on the Marketplace and those of who have "helped" him have learned a lot from him. It will be nice to finish the project, but when that will occur is "still to be determined".
On our adventure we met a number of Vietnam Vets. Our "hats" are a way for us to identify each other, welcome each other home and share a little about when we were there and what we did. In many cases there is a cane, a walker, a wheelchair or a motorized scooter which identifies them. At the VA over the years we have seen the same identifying features for many vets and it reminds me that for many American Veterans there is never a real day off from the physical or emotional condition they faced during their years of service or the years since. While I am considered a Disabled Veteran by the Department of Defense and the VA, by appearances I look fine and in pretty decent shape. It saddens me to see how outwardly disabled many of our vets are and how the years have treated them, but I am encouraged that many of us are being well cared for by the VA, or by the Tricare Health system for retired military personnel.
Yes, there are horror stories, but that is not unique to our military vets. There are always going to be those who slip through the cracks. The good news is that there are caring and compassionate health care professionals out there and many of them don't really get a day off from their routine either, and they need one from time to time as well. It was a good day, and I thank God for each person we encountered today who made our day off possible and wish them a day off of their own tomorrow, or the day after or in the very near future. And perhaps we will be working on their day off to make it as pleasant for them as they made ours today.
Just another way we can work together to bring harmony to our world, return to a more caring and fulfilling life, sharing the grace and peace of God with those who need a day off from the trials or cares or sorrows of life. God, who never takes a day off, is always here for each and every one of us, and for that we should seek Him out.....thank Him....and praise Him.
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hey bro thanks for your service in both military units the Lord AND SERVING THE U.S.A
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