A few months ago I was as is my routine
watching the News Hour with Jim Lehrer on PBS.
They had a segment on wounded solders
from Iraq and Afghanistan. It was one of a continuing
series they have been doing on how the U.S. government
has and has not been giving the wounded vets what they need.

At one point during the segment as they showed a paralyzed solider being
turned over he screamed out the word, "NO!"
It was a symptom of his brain damage. Friends watching it were pained
upon hearing it. What came to my mind at that moment was,
what would it take to become
a physical therapist; how much time in school, what would it cost, could I get a grant for it.
The reason I was suddenly
thinking about utterly changing my life was that I wanted to help.
That's not just who I am. It's what millions of Americans are.
People who want to help.
It's what millions of Americans where thinking and feeling at the same time I was.
"I want to help."

Here's a suggestion a friend re-posted on My Space.
It's simple and something you can do before of shopping for bargains on "Black Sunday."
Perhaps it will put you in a better mind set as you
navigate the crowds in the malls.


When you are making out your Christmas card list this year,
please include the following:
A Recovering American soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington ,D.C. 20307-5001

If you approve of the idea, please pass it on to your e-mail list

Pedro