I just want to thank you and The Ramsey's for their efforts that made yesterday's Celebration of Love at Ft. Hood a success.
What an amazing blessing. Darren and I hope that we will also have the opportunity to return and once again enjoy the blessing of this gift of
love. This is truly a Celebration of Love. I can't describe the flood of emotions as the bus approached each check point, gate or bridge. Reading the signs family members made gave us all a unique insight in to the hearts and lives of the family members and those serving. Some signs on bed sheets that simply say "Daddy I Love You" and the countless ones that simply say "I miss you, welcome home" There were also those that simply commemorate a life lost in war. We cheered for the brave soldiers who passed us and said "I just got back " and we cry for the children who said their dad died and the guardian who states that the child has mixed emotions as they are happy to be a part of the celebration but sad because they miss their parent or parents. There are those that are simply grateful to receive the small tokens of love we offered. One woman stated that her husband was coming home in 2 weeks and would save the food to make a good meal to share with him when he arrived. The
chaplain who came on the bus before we left to thank us; what a gift and with his voice breaking and with tears he said " you don't know how much
this means to us" We didn't know, we just knew we were full of emotions and exhausted but we all knew we did something good. The man in the seat beside me welcomed every soldier, thanked them for their service and packed the gift boxes like a machine. It's no wonder he passed out from exhaustion on the bus ride
back. He served well, God Bless Him. Then there was the older gentleman who was a 2 fist-ed turkey man. He made sure every recipient got a turkey with their box but never stopped smiling or maybe it was just his arms going numb carrying all those frozen turkeys. Our bus driver even got off the bus to help. He felt he
was called to service too and what a blessing as all hands on board are a gift. As we left the base a soldier stood at attention as each bus passed and then he got in his car to make sure we didn't get lost. It seemed it was his way of saying thank you for coming and honoring us. I watched him as long as I could but fell asleep like the rest after a while. We knew we were safe with this brave soldier guiding our way. The American Soldier sacrifices so much as does his family. I know in my heart that I am safe when I go home. I know that the men and women who bravely serve this nation have an unconditional love for this nation, these people and this country. I hope that others every where will try to serve these brave and honorable individuals in their town. We need to always remember those who serve and take a moment to serve them and their families. I will also remember to pray that this night those who serve will have their needs met, a safe place to sleep, a meal, a good friend and family that
loves them and some one to pray with so that they will never loose hope and survive this war.

I remember pastor saying that he would fast hard before we left. I remember bringing toys and groceries and occasionally writing checks and receiving a wrist band and T-shirts in return. I remember signing up but that was the easy part. I remember Katrina which was the 1st time I went through my toy collection to donate toys to children who lost everything and I hoped that they'd forget their pain for that moment. Now it was Ft. Hood, I went through my collection trying to decide which ones I'd miss most and I prayed about it and God opened my heart. He gave His Son for me. He never hesitated so as a steward of what God gave to me how could I see these toys as my kids when He gave His Son, a living breathing human being. It's very strange how giving money is easier than giving of our time or possessions. Thank you for blessing my life by allowing me to experience this Celebration of Love. I hope that next year more will have the heart to join this effort.

Cynthia