Today held another event that has become a yearly marking of the time in our lives. Its a flip side of the coin day. Difficult reality on one side and hopeful joy on the other. The love and generosity that God faithfully provides through those who honor Larrys sacrifice, has ensured that prayers will be answered. Operation Smile will soon be enabling smiles in Larrys memory to shine on the faces of 33 children. That will bring the total to 82 smiles. I always have a heavy, yet hopeful heart, on this trek to the post office. Usually, the line is long as I pray for those families whose lives will be touched by our wonderful family, friends, and supporters. Today, it was only a quiet, spoken woman and me. Her hands held a package that was so very familiar to me. Taped up securely along with the carefully completed paperwork for packages going overseas. I know that package is not only accompanied by securely placed tape and postal forms. It contains home, hopes, prayers, smiles, fears and an anxious heart. The postal worker asked its destination and she mumbled proudly and painfully, to my Special Forces son in Afghanistan. I held my gasp as I turned slightly away and clutched my envelope, covering the return address of The Lcpl Lawrence Philippon Memorial Fund. The memories of combing store isles for treats and necessities to send to Larry overwhelmed me. I remembered how the thought of his smile and his joy in breaking open a box from home had driven me to cram every corner and crevice available in the box. It was as close to holding him as I could get. I turned my prayer to her son and to her family as the postman offered a sincere wish that he comes home safe. I couldnt stop the thought that rattled my heart as I placed the package to Operation Smile in his hand. My mind said, This is the parcel sent when they dont come home safe. My words climbed over the lump in my throat, Priority Mail, Please, was all that I could muster. My eyes fell upon my Gold Star pin as I searched my purse for my wallet. I prayed she never has to know its meaning. When leaving, I dropped a dime from the returned change. Life can turn on a dime and in the tiny post office of East Berlin, CT, we were two moms with two packages on two different sides of a coin, both bearing faith, hope and love that endures forever. We are deeply grateful for the love and support that has been given to us. Your love and honor shown for Larry has made all the difference in our ability to press on and your efforts have changed the lives of 82 children. God Bless You All!
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 02:50:52 +0000
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