Saturday, November 6, 2010

"Mom" away from home in the airport & First WNC snow

First Snow came early to our cove!

Before I forget I wanted to suggest something to y'all if you haven't thought of it: On a trip about a year ago, I sat next to a young soldier. We chatted a bit, and right before departing the plane, I handed him some cash and told him to get something to eat and drink. I said just to think of me as a mom away from home, so he wouldn't feel weird about it. It gave me a warm feeling and he was so grateful. So, flash forward to this return trip from Oregon. I was rushing to get to my plane in the Atlanta airport and as I passed by, I noticed a young soldier waiting for his flight. He looked so sad and stressed. I looked into my purse and all I had was nine one dollar bills. At first I thought, "That's not very much to give," but then, I thought, well, it's something. So I went over and held out the money and told him to get him a snack or something to drink (airports are EXPENSIVE!) - he said, "Oh, that's okay," but I placed the cash in his hand and said, "Thank you so much. . . " and walked away so he wouldn't feel embarrassed.

So, now I'm going to make this a "tradition" - whenever I am in the airport, if I see a young soldier, I am going to be his/her "mom" and hand him/her some spending money. Traveling is expensive and I have no idea what the government pays them or if their flights are paid or if they have spending money or or or - and, I don't know - I just like feeling like I'm some mom who makes sure these young "sons and daughters" have a little extra money in their pocket. I'll make sure I tuck extra in my wallet just for that purpose.

Just something to think about.

Now - Go LSU!  GO NC STATE! and y'all enjoy your weekend! Here's some pictures that show the snow mixed with fall colors here in our cove (and one of lil boop!).

I'll be round to visit either today or tomorrow -- see you soon. Thank you and hello to new follower-friends.

Granny Kat bought this outfit (boots too!) so cute








15 comments:

billie said...

Kathryn, love the snowy photos (the pumpkin one and the last one are favorites!) and also your idea of mom away from home. I know a few soldiers and I'm sure this means a lot to them.

Karen said...

Kathryn, you brought tears to my eyes. As my son was in the Marines, I always have a soft spot in my heart for the military. I also try to pay the restaurant tab if I have the extra money, when eating out, with out them noticing. But I love the Mom, idea!!! Thanks

Oh, those snowy pics are great!Have a good weekend.

Anonymous said...

Loving the snow pics! The frost is definitely on the pumpkins there!! That was so nice, and yes... 'Mom-like' to offer assistance to those young soldiers. Let me tell ya, it was very much appreciated. Especially the 'thank you'.

Hope you are settling in back at your 'Cove'!! Have a wonderful weekend.

Bob~

Anita said...

As a Navy wife myself, this really touched my heart! Thank-you for being so thoughtful and what a wonderful way to show your appreciation. I can guarentee it meant more than you'll ever know. What lovely photos too! I love the one with the pumpkins!

Diane said...

The snow is totally depressing, but your story was so encouraging. What a great idea! Maybe I could be a sister instead of a mom, I like to pretend I'm younger than I am. :O)

Barb Whitti said...

I love the idea of giving money to a soldier, very thoughtful idea.

I don't fly much but it's something I can do.

Thanks for the beautiful pics.
Lovely on your mountain.
Blessings.

john bord said...

That white fluffy air cleanser, so fresh the day after, neat pics.

Traveling as a young GI was not easy, Uncle Sam gave us the basic to get to the next assignment but other traveling expenses was out of pocket. So kind of you, Mom.

Marguerite said...

Sneaux Smeaux! lol It's not something I'm fond of! And believe me, I shoveled more than my share, when I lived in Maryland for 20 years!

Such a nice gesture and I'm sure it was greatly appreciated. Cheers, cher!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to return and thank you for your comment. I's always encouraging to receive a positive response from a REAL writer!!!

Hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Bob

colbymarshall said...

So pretty! I am coming to visit you ;-) I will now anxiously await the one snow day of the year we have in Georgia. (because it WILL snow. Once.)

Unknown said...

Bless you Kat, for thinking of our boys in uniform. Some of them are so young and sometimes look so lost; you're doing a wonderful thing.

Carolyn V. said...

I LOVE your tradition! I think I may have to borrow it!

The snow is beautiful (although a little more fall would have been nice). Gorgeous pictures!

Deb Shucka said...

I love your new tradition. I may just join you.

Beautiful snow, but it makes me cold to see. Then I'm warmed to the core looking at Baby Boop in her glorious cuteness.

Catherine West said...

Beautiful pictures, beautiful thoughts! Snow is never something I see here in Bermuda, which is fine by me, but I do think it's magical! Bless you for your heart, I am sure those soldiers appreciated it!

demery said...

What a great idea. So sweet! I'm sure it was much appreciated.