GRATEFUL ON THE GULF COAST THIS THANKSGIVING
Here on the Gulf Coast, Thanksgiving has its own rhythm. The air turns cool but not cold, the water keeps its turquoise glow, and now and then a jet passes overhead. That rumble in the sky is my reminder that while we gather around tables here at home and across the country, there are men and women in uniform still standing watch.
USS Saipan CVL in the 48 in The Gulf of Mexico
My connection to that world is personal. My stepfather served as a Navy aviator in the early days of carrier aviation. When he talks about those years, his stories are calm and matter-of-fact, but I can picture the long approaches, the ship gently moving beneath him, and the quiet teamwork that brought each plane safely back to the deck.
This year, I feel especially blessed that he is still here, still telling those stories, and that later today he will drive over Perdido Pass to sit at my Thanksgiving table. Seeing him will be a living reminder that many families never had the chance to welcome their loved ones in uniform home, much less host them for a holiday on the coast.
Every veteran we’re fortunate to have at the Thanksgiving table is a gentle reminder of the many others who have served, helping to protect the freedoms that allow us to gather, share a meal, and give thanks in peace.
Some of those who served under that same flag now live just up the road at the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette.
As we ease into the holiday season, it feels natural to shift from gratitude at our own tables to thinking about those who might need a little extra care. Our office is once again quietly “adopting” residents at the William F. Green State Veterans Home for Christmas, and if you would like to help, here is how it works in simple terms:
-
You select a resident and use their short wish list as a guide.
-
Most gifts stay under about one hundred dollars and can certainly be less.
-
Labeled gift bags are dropped off at our office by December 9th.
-
On December 13th, volunteers are invited to help residents open their gifts, visit for a bit, and share some conversation.
If this is something you’d like to be part of, even in a small way, I would be honored to share the details with you.
As we carve turkey today and think about all that makes us grateful—whether here along the Gulf Coast or wherever this finds you—it also feels fitting to remember and thank the men and women who are serving today, as well as those who have served in years past.
With gratitude,
Meredith
Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on
Leave A Comment