73. Little Connections for a Big Cause

The Grassbaugh Veterans Project

http://www.giveto.osu.edu/grassbaughveteransproject

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.  To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

~Mister Rogers

When I was in Washington, D.C. a few months ago for the wedding of Jon's best childhood friend, I made an appointment to have my toes and nails painted at a nearby salon.  The salon was owned by a man named Patrick who, as it turns out, is a Patriot Guard rider and the proud grandfather of a brand new Private in the United States Army.  As we continued to talk a little more, I discovered he was not only a Patriot Guard Rider, but also a member of the Arlington chapter of the organization.  When I pulled out a photo of my beloved Jon, he recognized his face and said he remembered Jon's funeral.  As he explained to me, the Patriot Guard Riders are shown the picture of every Soldier whose funeral they protect from protesters.  Seeing a Soldier's face brings life to the Patriot Guard's mission.  It makes each Soldier mean far more than just a name.  I pulled out one of the funeral cards I keep in my purse with Jon's picture on it and told Patrick he could keep it.  He held it close to his heart and thanked me - in his words, that little piece of paper meant the world to him.

In light of the terrible events in Connecticut that have shaken the nation over the past few days, I have a new- found appreciation for unexpected connections like these that bring a smile to my face.  They shed a little light on a world that often seems full of darkness and doom.  Those same protesters that showed up at my husband's funeral plan to picket at the funerals of the twenty children who were killed on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Although I cannot begin to understand why such greed for attention plagues the individuals in this hate group, I thank men like Patrick who fight back against such evil and make the world a slightly better place.

These little connections are also what I'm counting on to make a big and meaningful cause into a success story.  On what was otherwise a dark and somber day for so many families, I officially founded the Grassbaugh Veterans Project.  The timing may seem a little off, but I had several people tell me that they felt the need to do something good on what was otherwise such a terrible day, and they thanked me for the opportunity to contribute to this cause.  I pray it will bring a smile to the faces of those who so desperately need a little joy in their lives.  In lieu of Christmas cards and presents this holiday season, I ask for the help of family and friends in spreading the word about this cause.  In doing so, we can perpetuate Jon's legacy of selfless service, help those who deserve it most, and maybe - just maybe - bring a small beacon of hope into what can often seem like an awfully bleak world.

For more information on how to help, please visit http://www.giveto.osu.edu/grassbaughveteransproject