Saturday, May 29, 2010

Heroes

Good morning – welcome to one of the approximately 150 blogs participating in the Memorial Day bloghop sponsored by Operation Write Home. No one can be bored this week end with that many blogs to visit.

Do you have an abundance of supplies, do you still like to buy more stuff – well here is a great way to use some of your supplies and the good feeling each card provides is multiplied by 4 or more times. You make the card. A soldier receives the cards to send home. The soldier writes a note and sends it home to a loved one. A loved one receives a beautiful handcrafted card with a wonderful greeting from afar. How can you resist a chance to make so many people feel wonderful. You can also write notes to our Heroes (the soldiers who are deplyed - a note lifts their spirits). Operation Write Home has a wonderful card blog on which they have challenges and feature stampers and have a very active family on Facebook. Come to Facebook and become a Friend.

Ty, Anna, Mason and Alaina Edwards

My post today is dedicated to our soldiers and families past and present. They are all heroes. Through my card making I met online a wonderful young lady named Anna. Anna is the same age as my daughters. She is married to Ty who is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines. They have two children Mason and Alaina. While Ty was deployed to Afghanistan, Anna and many other military wives from his unit organized a school supply drive. As a father of young children, Ty could not believe how the schools had no supplies. A pencil was a treasure. We all got our supplies together and shipped them off to Ty. I also organized a card drive through a magazine and sent several boxes of greeting cards to Ty to distribute to his unit. While in Afghanistan Ty was severely wounded. Through the power of the internet and Caring Bridge we were able to follow Ty’s medical journey, Anna’s struggle to be with her husband and to be a parent and the children’s living with grandparents, changing schools, etc. Our heroes come in all sizes and shapes. Ty’s injury and their journey as a family – touched my heart and brought the war so close to home.

I wanted to share a picture of Ty, Anna, Mason and Alaina. Ty has also written us a letter – after reading it – you will understand why I have chosen to become a part of Operation Write Home.

Dear Barb and friends:
It has been a long journey to recovery. And the journey continues. As you know, I was wounded on October 20, 2008. Subsequently, I was an inpatient in the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, here in Tampa, Florida for over a year and a half. I was recently discharged from the hospital (on March 12, 2010) to outpatient status. My life at home is beyond my wildest expectations! I am so happy to be with my family again. Counting the deployment to Afghanistan, it had been over two years since I was able to sleep in my own bed and live with my family. Now, I go for long bike rides with my kids (me in the power wheelchair). And this weekend I swam in the pool with the kids for the first time (with my wife’s assistance). I want to thank you for all the prayers, cards, gifts and thoughts for Anna, Mason, Alaina and myself. Please continue to support our active duty and their families; I know that you will. Memorial Day is a day when we pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. Let us not forget those who will never see their families again.
Semper Fi,
Lt Col B.T. Edwards, USMC

Thank you to my friends for sharing with us part of their story. You are an inspiration. Someday I am going to meet the Edwards family - I feel they are a part of my family.

Here is the card I have made for today's blog hop. I do try to keep the cards I make for Operation Write Home flatter so they are less bulky to mail. With Memorial Day and the 4th of July coming, there are many beautiful sets of patriotic paper in the stores - if you have the desire to do some shopping. Silly thought - desire to shop.

Card Details:
Size 4.25 x 5.5
Cardbase – recycled
Patterned Paper –Rusty Pickle – Bottle Rockets collection
Sentiment Stamp – Michael’s dollar stamps
Colorbox Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
Blog Candy

Here is the blog candy you can win from me. Isn't this a great sentiment stamp set - you could use every one of those stamps on cards you create. Just leave a comment and I will draw a name on Wednesday evening of this week - this will give you time to hop. Now the next stop on thehop is to go to Julie's blog - Handmade by Julie.

Everyone have a safe Memorial Day week end.

122 comments:

Barb said...

testing testing testing

Cheryl said...

Youre card is so unique and I loved that story...I wonder if Ty will make a full recovery...I hope so!

Ivanka said...

Oh my goodness. I know Anna and Ty's story, yet it still brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful letter from Ty and I absolutely love seeing their picture. The kids are getting so tall. Great card Barb and for such a wonderful cause.

Teresa said...

WOW- what a GREAT story! Thanks so much for sharing it.

Betty said...

I am so touched by Ty's story and love seeing a photo so full of love... A huge thank you to them for all they have given.

Your card is stunning and the candy is perfect for us cardmakers :) Thanks for offering it and good luck everyone.

Nancy Keller said...

What a neat story - thanks for sharing about Ty and his family! And I love your card! That rusty pickle paper is fantastic! Happy blog hopping!

Jan aka StampQn said...

Great story and thanks for sharing your cards with our soldiers.

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, that card is great. Those circles are fun. Thanks for sharing that letter.

loyaz said...

Love your card creation and that you are participating in this wonderful project. Thanks for this opportunity.
DianeL
loyaz1@wbhsi.net

Pat Q said...

What a great story about our heroes and I just love your card. It's so patriotic and cheerful.

Tink said...

Beautiful Story!! Your card is GREAT!!

helloholley said...

Your card is great and I love your blog! Thank you for sharing the story of this lovely family. It is a reminder of the sacrifices they make for our Freedom!!!

Anonymous said...

Such a touching story....Thank you so much for the wonderful chance to win some amazing stamps those will come in really handy for making cards for our troops... I am now a proud follower of your blog..
celeste

Melisa said...

Thank you, Barb, for posting Ty's letter! Brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. What a beautiful family they are. I really hope you can go to FL SOON to meet them! You so deserve that -- and so do they! Beautiful card, too!

Kate said...

Thank you for sharing the Edwards family's story.

Unknown said...

Great sentiment stamps - really! Great choice for a giveaway today. Thank you for posting about Ty & family. It's amazing to hear from a soldier.

xoxo
Lindsey @ ScrapStreet

Shelly R Wilson said...

What an incredible family! Thanks for sharing their story. Prayers to them and all who have given so much.
btw... love your card.

Unknown said...

What a touching story. As a retired military wife, that hits home. Until today, I was unaware of OWH and will be supporting their efforts as well. Thanks for raising awareness. Lisa

Erika said...

Great card and amazing story. Many prayers for that family. And, as a military wife, let me say thank you for sharing your creativity to help bring families closer who are separated by duty.

RobinH said...

love the card!
thanks for sharing the story of Ty

Operation Write Home said...

Wonderful card - and wonderful inspiration! Thanks for sharing Ty's story...so glad he's doing well!

Samantha said...

wow, thank you for sharing Ty and his family's journey here.
xo samantha

Melanie Nichols said...

Very moving story. I enjoyed your post and your card! Have a great weekend! ;o)

Kim said...

Your card is beautiful! Love all the dp and the circles.

PCM said...

Your story brought tears to my eyes - and the letter from the Lt Col especially. Thank you for caring about your friend and getting involved with OWH. TFS

Martha said...

Thank you Barb for sharing Ty's message and the story of his family's experience. I can never read about him without tears coming to my eyes.

Love your card and appreciate your support of OWH!

Cathy... said...

Thank you for sharing this brave family's story! What an inspiration! Beautiful card, those papers are perfect!

Unknown said...

Love your card.
Here's to Ty and his Family :0)

Paula S. said...

What a terrific post. While I was reading it Ty's name and story seemed familiar to me. I went back and checked my own blog posts and sure enough somehow I had gotten Ty's name and had made a card to send to him back in Nov. 2008. I am so happy to be able to learn the outcome of this story. God Bless the Edwards family and thank you Barb, you've made my day!

Kelly said...

Thank you for sharing the story with us, and for the tip about keeping the cards flat. I hadnt thought of that.

Anita said...

What an awesome story to share! It touched my heart and reminds me why I make cards for OWH. Stunning card!

mumgranny said...

Thank you for sharing the story of Ty and his family. My prayers are with him and all our soldiers.

Karen said...

Wow...love your card and WOW what a story! Brought tears to my eyes....my brother is a Col. in the USMC and this just touches my heart. Blessing to you for all you have done and to Ty and his family for his service to our Country.
Karen


maddenmom at gmail dot com

Rufus said...

Thank you for relating Ty and Anna's story. Today is a day to remember that Freedom is not Free, they buy it for us everyday. That's also why I create for OWH. Your card is great. The sentiment set you are offering is perfect for OWH cards!
Thanks for your support of our Heroes and OWH.
R/

Crafty56 said...

Your cards are beautiful. I am always amazed at the talent that is out there.

D's Paper Studio said...

Please send my thank you to Ty and his family. Tears are still coming as I type this. Thank you thank you thank you.

Your card is fab and thank you for sharing their story.

Lori said...

What a wonderful story. There are so many out there like Ty. It's nice to see he is back home and readjusting to life.

Cassandra said...

Thanks for the story of reminder and the opportunity to win!

Karrie O. - Sweet Paper Treats said...

Thank you for sharing your friends story and your card is very pretty!

creations by jackie said...

Lovely card, clean and simple. Thanks for sharing your story and time this wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Dawn said...

Wow, what a story. I'll be adding him and his family to my prayers.

great card tooo.

PocketsOfInspiration said...

Thanks for sharing your artwork. Have a great Memorial weekend.

Lelia Pierce said...

Beautiful card and story! Thank you for sharing!

Dixie Cochran said...

Barb, first of all, I love your card...it's all about the sentiment! You are so right about lumpy cards! Your use of the paper on this card is stunning.

Second, thank you for sharing the story about Ty and his very special family. I'm so glad he is with his whole family now, Thank God for our brave men and women in the military.

Unknown said...

Love your card. Thanks for posting the Edwards story and his letter.

Unknown said...

Love this card and the story. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the chance at the blog candy!

Missy said...

thank you for sharing Ty and his families story with us. You are right this is the reason we make cards. Your card was wonderful.

debb said...

Such a moving letter - this is so what it is all about...Beautiful card and thank you for the candy opp!

SuzAnn said...

thank you for sharing the story of Anna and her amazing family! Your card is charming...thank you for supporting OWH.

Trevorstuffmammas said...

Great story....As a marine mom, it touches my heart. Thank you, Jennifer

Jan Hunnicutt said...

I have tears in my eyes after reading your story and his letter. What an honor it is to make cards for our troops. Your card is beautiful today,l I peeked a few posts down too. Love your blog!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing part of Ty's story, and how his service is really his entire family's service. It's a great reminder of why OWH is so important!

Butterballfeather said...

This is such a cute card! You did a great job!

XOXO,
Greta

Brenda said...

What a lovely card and an awe inspiring story about Ty and the family.

As a Vet and the wife of a retiree who was deployed many times, my heart goes out to all our veterans (active, retired, whatever their status) and their families for their service to their country.

I wish the best for Ty and hope next year we'll hear more.

Erica said...

Great card. Very cheerful and patriotic!

Kathy said...

I always enjoy the bloghops on OWH. It is a wonderful group and I enjoy being a part of it. Thank you for your part in the group.

Kathy
Pass It On
http://kathypassiton.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Big hugs to you, Barb, my dear friend! And thanks to all for the support and thoughts... Love, Anna and family

robin said...

Love the letter...Thank you for you DH service and the sacrifice your family has given.

JPScraps said...

Great story & great card!

Eileen said...

Thank you for sharing Ty's letter, I pray for his continued recovery.

Your card is great!

Merry's Musings said...

What a wonderful post, thanks for sharing Ty's story. What a heroic family. Lovely card

Hannah said...

Thanks for sharing your cards and Ty's story :-)

Meg Bean said...

Really loved reading his letter and hearing about his story.

All of the patterned papers you used work so well together!

Christine said...

that is a very moving and motivational story . . .so so glad that Ty has rejoined his family - thanks for sharing their story.

Theresa's Studio said...

Great story...TFS Love your card

Adele said...

Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing Anna and Ty's story.

Lynn said...

Thank you for sharing that touching story. I love your cards! (Poked around a big on your blog)

StampinSher said...

Your dedication and love to our heroes is amazing, thank you for sharing this very special story. I can hardly see because of the tears in my eyes.
The letter from Ty is extremely positive and I do wish him and his family the best of life and I thank him for what he has done for us and our future.
Your card is beautiful.

Deborah345 said...

I appreciate so very much the blog hop you ladies are doing for the OWH. More then seeing the cards you have created it is reading the stories of peoples lives, those you have given for all of us - thank you.

Renee said...

Thanks for sharing Ty & family's story. Very moving.

Cut n Paste said...

Thanks for sharing the story of Ty and family with us! Our thoughts and prayers are with them still. Your card is beautiful!!! Thank you for supporting OWH!

Kajikit said...

We ALL have the desire to shop, don't we? :P Praying for Ty and his family, and for all the wounded veterans who have sacrificed their health for their country.

Tammy said...

Love your card and the papers you used! Thank you for sharing the story of Ty and his family!

Cheryl said...

I love your card! Thank you for sharing Ty & family's story.

I also like how you explained how the gift of cards multiplies. Wonderful!

Carisa said...

what a great story and lovely card.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing the story of the Edward's family. OWH is an awesome idea and I am glad for this blog hop or I would never have known about it. I am joining too. I love your card and will be making my own for OWH.

Caryl P said...

A beautiful card but an even more beautiful story. I'm going to run out of Kleenex before the end of the hop! So wonderful that Ty wrote a letter to share on this special hop and a good reminder to keep up the work to support those who support us and our freedom. Thank you!

Cindi (aka iring) said...

You have a beautiful blog and share a beautiful story! I love your cards and the way you use printed papers (I scrolled down a bunch!) Thanks for sharing!

Courtney said...

Your card is beautiful! Thank you for sharing that amazing story...and thank you for supporting our troops!

~Courtney~

Stampin_melissa said...

Thank you for sharing Anna and Ty's story and his letter! Amazing family! Your card is wonderful and I think your for your support of our troops!

Julie said...

Hi Barb! I have finally made it all the way through this huge hop!

Your card is beautiful! And thanks so much for sharing Anna and Ty's story!

Brenda said...

Love your card! You like patterns like I do, and so I was especially drawn to your card! I loved the story - so grat of you to post it!

K. Joy said...

Great card! Fun layout. :) Thanks for sharing.

Lillian Child said...

What a fabulous creation in honor of those that protect us. My husband is a vietnam veteran and he says he wished that the OWH program would have been in place back then as there's nothing better than a card from home. Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing Anna and Ty's story. I'll be praying for him and hope that his prognosis is good. You are like me with the flat cards, but flat doesn't mean plain. Great card and thanks for all you're doing.

buglvr2010 said...

Loved your card...thanks for sharing that wonderful story.

Sprout said...

Great card & "green" too. I like to recycle or use things not intended for cards. Makes things more interesting.

Colleen O said...

Barb, thank you for sharing Anna and Ty's story. Such a touching letter from Ty. They are frequently in my thoughts.

Linda said...

Beautiful card. Thanks for sharing Anna and Ty's story. Thanks for sharing.

Linda D.

Teepee said...

Wow, thank you for sharing Ty's story. I feel like they are part of my family, too. Your candy is dandy.

Susan said...

Please Thank TY for me and my family...
(The Guzy's in southern NJ-Ron(a vet), me-Susan, Tom and Amanda)

There are many Vets in my family, or 'touching" my family. My oldest daughter's S/O is a soldier, last speaking he was getting ready to be sent to Korea...he is a recruiter stateside, but did 3 tours...2 in Irag and 1 in Afganistan...he has a lot of Baggage...He lost many friends(over there) including his best friend, and his BIL.

My uncle was hurt badly by a "German potato masher"(some wicked kind of grenade) In the "Battle of the Bulge" during WWII and rec'd the Purple heart. My Dad served in WWII in the navy, and was not injured.

but I know all too well, the sacrifices all the service men and women make and their families. I was pleased to read Ty's story and especially his letter. Thanks for sharing it with us...BEAUTIFUL CARD!

Susan (#78 on the list)

Julie said...

Your card is wonderful, but the story you shared takes the spotlight here! Thank you for sharing both of them :)

Patty said...

I love the card. Great story. We so often don't want to know about "what goes on over there". I guess sometimes we have to face all of it.

cal8007 said...

Thanks for the inspiration on this memorial day. And, thanks for the opportunity for the great blog candy! I'm glad I found your blog, you have beautiful creations.

Carmen L
cal8007 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

great card! thanks for sharing the story about Ty. it was incredibly touching. it makes me realize how much I take for granted. I am so thankful to him for the sacrifices he has made (and his family) and I'm praying for full recovery.

Suz said...

What a great card!

Thanks for sharing Anna & Ty's story

Jeanne said...

Thanks for sharing the story of Ty. I'll keep him and his family in my prayers.

Heather Grow said...

Festive card. Thank you for sharing the story of Ty and his family. What a great man, husband, father and hero.

jengd said...

Wonderful story- I wish them all the best!! And your card is great- I really like your star circles!

mmwilken said...

Thanks so much for sharing that story!! All the more reason to keep on doing what I'm doing with OWH and I love it!! Thanks for sharing with us and keep up the great work you are doing!!

Pamela said...

What a great post!!! An amazing story...thank you for sharing! And your card is great too! :)

Jean Fitch from jlfstudio said...

Thanks for sharing both the card and the Edward's story. Amazing the ties that form through caring, cardmaking and the Internet.

Just Virginia said...

Loved your card. Good idea about keeping the cards from being too bulky. Thank you for sharing the Edward's story. Our prayers are with them for Ty's full recovery.

Seongsook Duncan said...

Very nice card. Love your layout and the sentiment. Thanks for sharing the story that is very touching.

Marsha said...

Thank you so much for the story. Wow.
And thanks for the chance for the candy.

Bev E said...

Oh my gosh, that letter brought me to tears. Thank you for your card, its lovely.

Linda said...

Beautiful card! The story about Ty reminds me of my friend's son who is also a Marine and was severely injured in Irag in 2006 (He was in Tampa for 6 months). While he is now in a wheelchair, he is doing great!

Jamie said...

What a sweet story. That really did bring tears to my eyes. So glad to hear about the progress Ty has made. Thank you for sharing it! <3

Your card is really fun, I have never though of trying that. I might have to "scrap lift" that layout.

Unknown said...

Your card is beautiful! Ty's letter brought me to tears.... I'm praying for his full recovery!!

Thanks so much for sharing & the chance to win!

Happy Memorial Day!
God Bless our Soldiers & their families!

~Ola
okj83 at live dot com

Fonda @Southern Scraps said...

Touching post, thanks for sharing.

grandmalee said...

Beaautiful card...I love everything about it! Thanks for being so supportive of Ty & his family. We also sent school supplies too when my daughter was in Iraq. I'm so glad the girls are allowed to be schooled now! Thanks for all you do for our heroes!

Purple Princess said...

Super card! Thank you so much for sharing the story!

Sandy said...

Cute card... very touching story. God Bless all of our troops and their families!

Susan M. Brown {sbartist} said...

Love your card the touching story you've shared! Thanks for all you do for OWH & supporting the men in women in the armed forces.
: ) Susan [sbartist.blogspot.com]

Lisa (mldesignworks) said...

Beautiful! I'm glad you've been able to get to know a military family first hand. Very touching story, and a happy ending! Lisa

Sharon said...

Thanks so much for sharing Anna and Ty's story. And, I love your card.

Angie said...

Love your card! So pretty! Your story is very touching! Thanks for sharing!

Corinna Lyons-Revello said...

Love your card! I really like that font for Miss You. But oh, that beautiful story and photo...thanks for sharing those most of all! Just wonderful.

Corinna
www.myscrapbooklife.com

Jennifer Moore said...

What a beautiful card. Ty's story was so touching. Thank you for sharing.

Jana said...

Thank you for sharing that wonderful story about Ty and his family. He is indeed a HERO. Your card is really very pretty.

Unknown said...

What you say about the soldiers is completely true and we really need to admire them for everything they do for our country, without most of the people knowing about it. In this case, Ty has put his body in risk for all of us. And Cognitive therapy as you say, may help every armymen that has to overcome a difficult experience that happened may be at war.
The point is, that we look up to them, they truly are our heroes!
Kevin

Louise Fox said...

Thanks for sharing the wonderful story about your friends. Your card is really lovely.Sorry to be so late in leaving a comment, but I had to share with you how touched I was by your post. Blessings and thanks for all you do for OWH. Louise Fox