I was reading a thread on another forum asking "what are your simple pleasures in life?"
The replies were things like "watching the sunset", "hot cocoa" etc.
So I went and fixed a cup of hot chocolate and started typing this.
For me the simple pleasures are watching my friends get choked up telling stories from over 200 years ago. I have the honor of spending most weekends with my wonderful wife and the best people I have met in this world - people who give up their time and treasure to make a difference in the lives of other Americans and so hopefully make our country better.
I get to lie in the mud with a family whose husband brings his wife and son to a rifle marksmanship program as an anniversary surprise. Really. The wife had only shot once a long time ago and the ten-year-old boy never had. I get to see her face go from not too pleased to the mom and son coming back on Sunday without the husband (he hurt his back and couldn't get out of bed) and both leaving with a smile and a thank you after a long cold weekend and wanting to come back.
I get to work with a lady who is in constant pain and needs to administer IV pain meds almost hourly. I get to help her find the only shooting position she can tolerate - sitting. I get to watch her persevere for two weekends until she can shoot a Rifleman score of over 210 all from the sitting position. I get to hug her as I give her a patch as she cries.
I get to work with a family who has a teenage son who is not thriving like he could. I get to help them do something together they all can enjoy. I get to shake the hand of the father as he accepts an orange hat and says "In the past month Appleseed has changed my family."
I get to do these things most every weekend.
I am blessed.
Yeah, it really is that good a feeling, when it all comes together. O0
Amen!
Thanks, oneshot_onehole. That's the way I feel about Appleseed except I can't get my wife to come with me. Keep up the great work!
- ShadowMan
Great post!
It allways seems to be the small things we all seem to remember. You gotta love that about our brains. :)
Great stuff, straight from the heart.
Spending time in the presense of rilfemen and students who who want to learn rifle marksmanship and our American heritage is refreshing to the soul and spirit.
I've met many amazing people on and behind the line that have been blessings to me.