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My first patch


The past few weeks have been filled with melancholy. There is nothing in particular that caused me to be so down. So blah. Tears came unexpectedly. Private journal entries were written. I wondered if anyone kept track of me. I looked to the positive. I even identified it. But no matter how hard I tried, I could not get what was inside to match the smile on my face.

It was at a low point that the unexpected came along and reminded me “life is good”. The unexpected came in the form of a friend of the plane coming to town and spending the evening laughing, bonding, and making plans for the next time. I conquered a six-mile run after not being able to complete a four-mile run due to a sore hamstring only a couple of days before. And, then tonight, I went to my Rolling Thunder meeting.

I always look forward to seeing my friends from Rolling Thunder. The welcoming hugs. The conversation. Getting together for a common goal. Every time I go to a meeting, I leave feeling lighter in some way. They were supportive when Sean was in Afghanistan. They are behind a welcome home party for him. And then tonight, totally blew me out of the water. Towards the end of the meeting, I was asked what marathon I was running. When I responded with the Marine Corp Marathon, they asked if I would be representing Rolling Thunder. (Just that morning on my run, I was thinking about the shirt I am designing and how I wanted to include the chapter on it somewhere.) When I answered in the affirmative, a motion was made to sponsor me and pay my registration fee. Through fuzzy-eyes, I heard them all say, “Aye.” The marathon that began as a way for me to transition from married life to a life on my own while remembering military men and women close to me turned into something more. It has become transitioning from one family to another.

One of the members made sure the Army flag was in the back. 
I was welcomed into the ‘family’ tonight with the presentation of my boot patch. Members of this family have already been there for me when I needed them. Whether it was a riding or moving furniture or just a hug, they constantly remind me with their actions that they care and that I am not alone. A heartfelt thank you goes out to each and every one of the Rolling Thunder NC-7 members. Big hugs to you all!

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