This isn't a page about my writing. It's more a place for me to talk about the positive things going on in the world. The political watershed is dispersing more putrid hate than I can handle and if I really believe that words make an impact on our lives, I think it's time to put my talents to use, for the betterment of mankind... or hopefully for the people who check out my blog.
I'm going to try being thankful... but in a Jimmy Fallon kind of way, not in a month of November way. I want to recognize people and groups of people who make America great and my life better. Feel free to suggest the groups and people you want to give a shout out to. Maybe we can change the tone of the day with a little, "Here's lookin' at you, kid."
March 6,2012
Dear Inventors and Innovators,
Thank you for giving me light to see by during the dark hours of the night. Thanks for making legal stimulants (aka Starbucks) available 24 hours a day. Thank you for turning your small business (aka Scentsy) into my latest obsession. Thanks for figuring out how to allow humans to fly and also, how to land without crashing... that's nice. Thank you for enduring the name calling and the physical assaults because you were willing to think outside of the box and not conform the what's cool... in the end, you are the trendsetter. Thank you for seeing failure as a good thing and success as an opportunity to go even further, be even better. Thanks for inspiring my children to make a difference and follow their passion, even when I know it may lead to broken windows or bones... those can be fixed much faster than a broken spirit. Thank you for waking up in the middle of the night with a brilliant idea that just couldn't wait until morning. Thank you for dreaming and paving the way for others to dream as well.
Sincerely,
Sarah Schmitt
March 5, 2012
Dear Guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
Thank you for each of the 21 steps you take on each pass in front of the tomb. Thank you for doing your shift with wet gloves to prevent your gun from slipping as you walk. Thank you for committing two years of your life to this honor, during which you live in barracks beneath the tomb. Thank you for spending the first 6 months of your assignment not allowed to talk to anyone or even watch TV. Thank you for memorizing the lives of 175 notable souls laid to rest in the Arlington National Cemetery so when I, as a giddy tourist, ask a question, you have an answer. Thank you for taking five hours a day dressing to stand before tourists as they snap pictures of you. I wonder if they will notice there is not a wrinkle or crease to be seen on your uniform. Thank you for honoring the lives of those you guard by giving up alcohol and swearing, as well as other unbecoming traits that would dishonor the wreath pin you will wear on your lapel when your duty is over, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Thank you for disobeying the order to suspend sentry duty when Hurricane Irene was tossing cars around the eastern seaboard. You commitment to our country is more unknown than the soldiers you stand guard for, but to those who are still waiting for loved ones to come home, you are a beacon of light. You represent the best of our country with dignity and class!
Sincerely,
Sarah Schmitt
March 4, 2012
Dear Farm Families,
Thank you for growing the food that's cooking away in my crockpot. I've tried growing a garden before and every single time, I end up with bare stalks. Sometimes it's because of weather, sometimes it's because of a groundhog who lives under my deck and eats all my tomatoes, and sometimes it's because I have no idea what I'm doing. But the lucky thing for me is, if my attempts fail, I can always go to the supermarket to pick up the tomatoes and cucumbers. If your crops fail, the price of food goes up and you take a loss. Thank you for getting up before the sun and putting in a full days work before I've even had a cup of coffee... and you're only getting started. Thank you for tending the herd and milking the cows, sheering the sheep and collecting the eggs, as well as the things I don't want to think about that you do... that's a nod to you beef, pork, and poultry farmers. And for those farmers who choose to grow organic, a special thank you from my family to yours. Thank you for taking a risk that others will support your commitment to protecting our environment and our health. With no disrespect intended to those farmers who, for what ever reason, opt for conventional farming, I'm glad that people have a choice to the way our food is produced. In my house, we love your work!
Sincerely,
Sarah Schmitt
March 3, 2012
Dear Postal Employees,
Thank you for delivering my mail on days I don't want to go outside to get it. Thank you for braving broken glass, scary neighborhoods and unleashed dogs so Ya-Ya's letter can get to my children. Thanks for carrying the numerous magazines I subscribe to on your shoulder. I just can't bring myself to Switch to digital. Thank you for having a smile for me when your employer's future is uncertain and your working conditions border on inhuman, though that's my opinion and perhaps you don't agree. Thank you to the postal sorter who found our lost Christmas package and made sure it got to us. Sure, the wrapping was damaged and it arrived in late January, but you made sure it got to us and that's more important than how or what it looked like!
Sincerely,
Sarah Schmitt
March 2, 2012
Dear First Responders,
Thank you for running into the places everyone else is running out of. Thank you for handing out teddy bears to the children who find themselves in horrible nightmares. Thanks for giving me a warning when you could have given me a ticket. Thank you for making my safety your priority. Thank you for watching out for my friends and family members who serve with you, including Clifford Denny, Brian Silcox, Jeff Silcox, Richard Silcox, Jr., and Michelle Steele. Thank you for showing up in an emergency, whether man-made or natural. And thank you for being willing to protect people you may not agree with because you have sworn to serve the entire community. Sure, there have been more than a few stories of officers who have fallen from grace, but it's my firm opinion that almost all of the men and women are following a calling many would be afraid to answer!
Sincerely,
Sarah Schmitt
March 1, 2012
Dear Teachers (And Administrators/Staff) at St. Michael's and around the country,
Thank you for doing so much with so little. For taking money from your paycheck and buying supplies for your classroom. Thank you for teaching my children to love learning and about doing their best. Thank you for fostering who they are as they begin to bloom and flourish under your guidance. Thank you for putting up with me as I start to let them leave the nest and fend for themselves. I know I can be a little "persistent" at time. And a special thanks for getting up earlier than I do, being more cheerful than I am and doing a job I could never do, but could never do without! You are bigger heros to me than any rock star or pro athlete in the universe, and I know my children agree. (Of course, they are fickle creatures, and if Beyblades become an Olympic sport, the gold medalist may give you a run for your money!)
Sincerely,
Sarah Schmitt
