Yes, Virginia, GOAG IS Still Alive

Pardon my long absence y'all, but I have a good excuse. It's getting to be that time of year when I play Elf. I've been busy shopping, checking my lists, shopping some more because I forgot to check my lists twice. Once that was done, I moved on to packing, taping and driving to the Post Office *my mecca* to mail goodies to the far corners of the globe.

The bulk of my goodies are going to Marines in Iraq. These are not people I know, to me they are respectable people who are making some incredible sacrifices and should know that there are people on this side of the world who appreciate them. I am answering their wishes by sending letters and cards, postcards and packages stuffed full of snacks, books, magazines, personal hygiene products, items they can use to write home and lots of thanks for what they do. It's a small and simple task and I hope that my doings will plant a tiny seed for you to do the same. Many of these Marines are wondering why people are mailing such things to strangers. It's easy, they're one of us. We are generous people and give what we can, when we can. So, with that said, I suggest that the next time you're strollin' through the market and you see those fantastic BUY 1 GET 1 FREE deals, make that purchase and send the extra overseas.

This world is never in a shortage of people who could use a little something extra. I'd like to encourage those of you who can imagine what it's like to be thousands of miles away from loved ones this holiday season to do a little mailing of your own. A shoebox full of goodies goes a long way to warm the heart of someone away from home. Read what the Marines have to say. If you're interested in other military branches, that's cool too! Go to those websites to get contact information and add a few of them on your Christmas card mailing list this year.