Special homecoming possible

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Updated: December 4, 2011 11:05AM

If there is any news that made me smile, it was hearing President Barack Obama say that all our military men and women in Iraq will be home for the holidays.

Then, I heard politicians and reporters saying Obama was doing it as a political move. So what? I really don’t care why, but I sure do care that all those young people soon will be home where they belong.

I wish it could have happened in time for all the young men who recently lost their lives. I doubt you could find many — if any — families who are concerned about why Obama is bringing their loved ones home; they’ll just be there with open arms to greet them.

I pray it will be the end of our armed forces losing lives and limbs for any reason. God grant that every one of them come home with no problems, and that we no longer fight wars that don’t directly affect America.

Boy, did we get lucky with Mother Nature last week. First, the West got blasted with unexpected snow, then it skipped over the Midwest and buried the East and Northeast.

With relatives in both regions, we just told them we were sorry, but don’t send it back our way.

Sooner or later, we’ll pay for this surprisingly mild fall weather, but it was great that all the witches and goblins trick-or-treated without rain, sleet, snow or even a cold wind. Some of the little people were so adorable in their outfits, and wide-eyed; who could give them just one treat? Halloween is a time for fun, and we need more of that.

One tiny person, who couldn’t have been more than 2 years old, really made it a special night. Instead of asking for a treat, she had a little bucket and gave us a treat. What a great mom, and what a beautiful little lady she is raising.

Little angel, your are my pet person of the week.

Our next holiday, Thanksgiving, will be upon us before we know it. It’s a time to be thankful for all we have, to enjoy a feast with those we love, a time to laugh and chat — and even watch football.

But some people will experience little of the above. That’s why the Porter-Starke Services Foundation sponsors the Valparaiso Turkey Trot. This will be its eighth year, and what a wonderful chance for us to show thanks for our many blessings.

More than 1,200 runners support health and addiction treatment services in Northwest Indiana so those in need some day can return to their families. More than 200 volunteers are needed to help with registration, keep the runners hydrated during their 5K or 10K runs, make sure they stay on course, cheer them on, and pass out food afterward.

This event is among the largest Thanksgiving races in Indiana and, by 10:30 a.m., you’ll head home to enjoy the rest of the holiday. Each volunteer walks away with a fantastic feeling — and a free T-shirt as a reminder that the day began with a special way to say thank you.

For more information, call 531-3580 or register online at turkey
trot@porterstarke.org. And consider volunteering as a family.

Then, I hope you have a great day because you deserve it.

Thanks for reading.

Fly your flag.