If you've read some of my blogs you know that I am an active duty military spouse. Having lived the life for a decade now, I speak from experience when I blog about issues affecting military families. Sometimes I just want to spread some news, like the upcoming Military Appreciation Day at Six Flags. Other times I hope to be able to gently remind people that military families are still facing hardships every day and a little Thank You can go a long way.
There's a person who came into my life who is going above and beyond to thank my little family - and that is Mike Cooper. Mike and I connected on Active Rain because we not only share a passion for Real Estate but also for Spinning. We both used to instruct Spinning classes although it's been a few years for me. When Mike organized a Spin For A Cure to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation last November, he called me out and, of course, I couldn't resist. It was a great event and also wonderful to meet Mike in person.
Almost a year ago Mike invited my little family to spend a few days at his chalet in the Shenandoah Valley:
"I am honored and humbled by your and your family's commitment to this great country. I appreciate the phenomenal sacrifices you make, and this small gesture is a simple thank you!"
Mike moved us to tears (and also made me speechless which is not an easy thing to do) because he recognized what my family needed the most - the opportunity to make up for time lost, birthdays & holidays missed and to be able to just relax after years of living with fear - and has been so generous to offer just that to us.
We had planned on spending last year's Thanksgiving there but my husband had to go TAD for a few weeks and we had to cancel. Since then Mike has been reminding us that the offer still stands. It's not easy for us to make plans because duty calls often ... and, of course, there's just never the right time to leave my Real Estate business.
To make a long story longer, we are finally taking Mike up on his offer. We are all packed - the girls got their blankies and favorite toys, hubby hung the uniforms in the closet and got out the shorts and I got my files, iPad and chargers - and are ready to go.
We are about to leave for our week of giggling-relaxing-bonding-enjoying-goofing around in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia - courtesy of Mike Cooper. It's impossible to put into words what this means to us and we cannot thank Mike and his wife enough.
I do want to thank Active Rain, too. Why? Because this is such an amazing community for Real Estate Professionals that not only allows us to connect with the public but share knowledge, learn from each other and meet amazing people, like Mike - without Active Rain I would never have met Mike.
So, thank you Mike Cooper and thank you Active Rain for giving my family the gift of time. We plan on enjoying every second of it.
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