Sometimes Words Just Aren’t Enough
I want to take a minute to sit down and try my best to thank each and every one of you that have shown such support for the story that I’m trying to get out into the public purview. My appeal to Dr. PZ Myers at Pharyngula was a pure shot in the dark when it first came to mind, but PZ - quite true to form - took up the request promptly and quite laudably, IMHO, and it swelled much further - and much faster - than I could have ever imagined. I have been receiving offers of assistance since the minute he posted that thread, and I assure you that I treasure every single bit of that support. From the journalists who have offered their skills and connections, to the individuals who have offered to write letters on my behalf and that of my fellow veterans, and to those kind souls that have offered their moral support, I have been genuinely moved by the display of pure humanism shown by every one of you that has contacted me.
My hope is that this effort will bring to light the problems faced by so many veterans worse off than myself, and if even a few of the numerous measures that have been offered to me thus far manage to succeed, I’m positive that it will surpass my greatest expectations. I have no idea how to express my thanks in a manner befitting such an outpouring of benevolence, so I will simply, and quite humbly, say thank you to you all from the bottom of my heart. As a veteran, as a citizen, and as a fellow human, I am immeasurably indebted to all of you.
Since the moment PZ’s thread was posted on my behalf, I have seen only a very few manifestations of the more antagonsitic side of our shared nature. These scant occurrences, however, have been utterly and completely drowned out by the unbounded exhibitions of kind-heartedness and altruism, and that has given me a great deal of satisfaction and comfort. I’ll wrap this one up, but I’ll leave you with a quote - one of my absolute favorites - that perfectly reflects my sentiments towards this situation and the response it has elicited:
No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other’s worth.
I am thoroughly persuaded of your worth.
You have my support and I will make as big a noise as I can.
Comment by MikeG — July 24, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
One thing we all learned in the service was to rely on each other. So even though you and I and most of the other people who support you are no longer on active duty, the lessons of mutual aid have not gone away.
Comment by JoJo — July 25, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
Thanks, JoJo and MikeG. I know it seems cliche, but I truly and deeply value your sentiments, and I hope you know that I really do mean that in the most sincere manner possible. Though I am constrained by quite meager means at the moment, I am sure that will change in the future, and if I can ever - no matter how far in the future such a thing may come to pass - help you in any way, I earnestly hope that you will get in touch with me and allow me to do what I can to assist you. Thanks for your kind words and efforts, and I wish you the best.
brokensoldier
Comment by brokensoldier — August 5, 2008 @ 10:56 pm