First thing this morning, I thought I'd quickly scan through & delete over 300 new emails I'd somehow avoided in the past few days. Most of them are easy to just delete without reading because they're spam or store/coupon emails. Clearly I've been known to do a little online shopping.
But I came across this email forwarded from my sister.
My friend had encouraged me to journal during this week away & maybe even get back to blogging. Goodness knows, it's been awhile.
With all that in mind... I immediately thought this was worth sharing since I have to admit it put tears in my eyes.
I hope it makes you stop & think of all those who "safely prepare you to pass through life's challenges."
I hope you take a moment to stop & reflect on what truly is important in life. To simply live with gratitude above complaints. To realize we all really are in this life together & to always find ways to help others.
"No accomplishment of real value has ever been achieved by a human being working alone." John Maxwell
I hope your vibe you're attracting for your tribe is a positive, inspiring & encouraging one.
Have a great week! XOXO
Captain Charlie Plumb flew 74 combat missions during the Vietnam war.
On his 75th and final mission, Charlie was shot down. After losing control of his plane, he ejected from the plane and spent the next 90 seconds slowly and safely floating down to earth. Immediately captured by the enemy, he spent the next 2,103 days as a prisoner of war.
For six years Charlie endured abuse and torture. He survived because of an unwavering devotion to returning home with honor, a deep sense of connectivity with his fellow prisoners of war, a desire to be reconnected with his family, an ever-present faith and a steadfast resolve to simply not give up.
But it was only decades after returning home, during a chance encounter, that he understood his primary cause of survival.
While enjoying a meal at a Kansas City diner, Charlie noticed a gentleman across the room looking at him. After several awkward glances, the gentleman stood, walked over to Charlie’s table, and asked if he served during Vietnam. Charlie verified that he had served, so the stranger asked Charlie if he had flown jets off the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. Charlie nodded. Finally, the gentleman asked if he’d been shot down on his final mission.
Charlie asked the stranger how he knew all this information?
The man extended his hand, shook Charlie’s, pulled him close and said, “I packed your parachute.”
Charlie was overwhelmed with emotion.
He extended a grateful hand and shared that he’d said a lot of prayers of thanks for his nimble fingers over the years, but never thought he’d have the opportunity to express his gratitude in person.
My friends, as you step into this holiday, this week, this summer: Take pause to recognize all the teachers, parents, co-workers, mentors, friends and strangers who’ve ‘packed your parachute.’ The people who prepare you to safely pass through life’s challenges.
On this Memorial Day, as we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, take pause to acknowledge the selfless love and ultimate sacrifice of those who made it possible.
In addition to barbeques, family parties and parades, perhaps the finest way to celebrate this Memorial Day is to actively seek opportunities to pack the parachutes for others.
This is your day. Live Inspired.
-John O'Leary
That is one wonderful story!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Julie Tucker-Wolek | May 31, 2017 at 07:24 AM