Thursday,  Nov. 12, 2009, Nashville, TN., 3:50 a.m., C.S.T. (can't sleep; just woke up)~

Dear Journal~

Howdy!  Wayne Wright here.  Thought I would write, to let y'all know how we are doing. 

Yesterday was Veteran's Day.  Our family spent a good chunk of it at church, especially yesterday evening, when we offered to feed our Veterans a good, home-cooked meal.  They came out in DROVES!  Such a turnout; it was incredible!  And they were more than appreciative!  All we can do:  they paid the price for our freedom; it's the least we could have done, as a way of saying "Thank you!"

Saw some friends I hadn't seen for a while.  Made plenty of new ones, too.  The children were adorable:  they saw my crutches, and they thought I was in the war.  I told them, no; I didn't serve, as my disability didn't allow it.  I had been born this way, but I appreciated their concern and their questions.  Some thought I broke my arms; that's why I had the crutches attached to my forearms.  I told them my legs didn't work; I needed the crutches to help me get around easier, and most of them understood.

I could tell some of the parents were uncomfortable with their children's questions; they kept apologizing.  I told them not to worry; children are naturally curious creatures, and besides, if they don't ask, how are they going to learn about things? 

They got my point.

People delighted in meeting our newest family member, Promise Hope, who was an enchanting little ham.  She enjoyed meeting all these big, strapping military men and women; she was in her glory.  She kept showing off by singing merrily or by showing them her new pink outfit.  She also kept stealing kisses from all the Marines (she has this thing about Marines, especially if they're in their uniform!  LOL), and hugging the Navy, Army, and Air Force people as if they were her own relative.  LOL  It was embarrassing at times!  LOLOLOLOL

Emily,  Brooke, Xavi, Rheese, and Mwugu were on their best behavior:  Sarah and I were very proud of them.  They sat there, staring at all the military personnel and Veterans, craning their little necks, their eyes all popeyed with amazement.  I told them that they were heroes; they were the ones who were fighting for our flag, our country, and they were the ones keeping us safe from the bad people. 

We were having this dinner for them, so we could give them our thanks; it was the least we could do for them for answering our country's call to defend.

The Veterans were delighted in meeting my family, and the other church members' families.  The cafeteria was full to the brim (I think most of it was from the Sandusky contigent!  LOL), and everyone had a great time. 

We get to do this again on Thanksgiving Day, except the next time, the meal won't be beef brisket, green beans, salad, mashed potatoes, or apple cobbler:  it will be turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmins:   yams or mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, apple or pumpkin pie, three bean (or regular) salad, or green bean casserole, cranberries, relishes, and even crawfish or lobster.

Bet the Veterans will be out in droves then, too.  It never fails.  Food always seems to bring people together:  it's been proven since the dawn of time.

Well, I gotta run.  Get ready for work.  It was nice talking with you; I will write in here again soon.  Until then, this is Wayne Wright saying so long1  Take care, and amy God bless you always!

~Wayne.  :)