When I started Embracing Military Families in 2001, my main focus was the children of deployed soldiers. After 14 years, my focus and my vision have changed. Boy, have they changed!
Who knew this war would go on for as long as it has? And who knew that I was not only trying to help the children of deployed soldiers, but the children of soldiers who came home completely broken?
I had no idea when I started Embracing Military Families that my greatest mission would be helping these families, broken both mentally and physically, have some semblance of a normal life.
Children don’t understand that the loving parents they said goodbye to, and dreamed about, and longingly waited to return, would come home either physically unrecognizable or mentally and emotionally changed.
These parents volunteered to put themselves in harm’s way to protect all of our children, and for so many, the fact that their own children neither recognize them, or cower because of “Mommy or Daddy’s moods” just adds to their anguish.
So, at the end of the day, or 14 years, if you prefer, my mission has changed. I now work tirelessly to ensure our littlest warriors can have the merriest of Christmases, happy first days of school and Happy Easters.
In doing so, I not only help the children, I also help these heroes that gave so very much for all of us. Most are struggling to get by, day to day, emotionally and financially. Many can’t hold down a job. Many consider it a plus just to get up in the morning.
If I can alleviate some of their worry by providing for their children, and for them, during special times of the year, then that makes everything we do worthwhile. As we approach the Christmas season, and the gift of our Lord, at the end of the day, isn’t that what we are called to do?
It would mean so much to me if you would help me in this endeavor. As you travel about, you will start to see toy boxes at businesses that have so graciously agreed to help us give our littlest warriors a very Merry Christmas. They include: Mimi’s Good Food, Drayer Physical Therapy on South 74, Fitness 54, Republican Party Headquarters, Y Knot Sports Bar, and Massage Envy in Kedron.
In addition, you can adopt a family by contacting me at 770-487-0672, or send a check made out to Embracing Military Families to 202 Panstone Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Embracing Military Families is a 501(c)3 corporation under the umbrella of United Charitable Programs.
I was recently asked how I measure the success of what we do. My answer was simple. It is measured in the smiles and laughter of the children we help, and in the tears of relief and joy that come from the heroes we so humbly serve.
With unending gratitude,
Cathy McMullen, president,
Embracing Military Families
Peachtree City, Ga.
