Ho'okipa Via The United States Postal Service

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Comments

[Joanna Young]

Debra, thanks so much for sharing this story with us (and heartfelt thanks to Tiffanni too).

There were so many messages wrapped up in the story, but for me it was a powerful reminder of the way that we can make connections, even with people that we do not know. It's about sharing something deep within ourselves.

And I guess that's what I would understand by hospitality. Giving freely of yourself to another human being, extending the hand of friendship :)

Joanna

[Rosa Say]

The timing of your story shared does evoke a rush of emotion Deb, in so many ways. With the 4th of July a day away, I have found myself thinking of my brother Jeff, a Lt.Col in the Army, several times over the last week. Military service has been his life's career choice, and during his tour of duty in Iraq (he is safely home with his family now) he would often speak to us about the camaraderie of the Armed Forces 'Ohana, and the bonds that are forged in service to both our country, and with each other in their completely unconditional spirit of ho'okipa and aloha. It is a kind of love that most of us can only hope we will understand and experience.

[Debra Estep]

Thank you Joanna for your beautiful
comments on my story.
I am going to share the link to Tiffanni
and she will read your words.

Beyond a doubt Rosa, it takes having
someone you love in the 'sand' to
really ~feel~ the emotion that military
families go through.
My daughter in law, Dana is proudly
serving in the United States Air Force
and she is now deployed to Iraq.

I know many people don't personally
know someone in the military.
If anyone would like to send Dana a
card or note of support, please drop
me an email and I will send you her
mailing address.
A card goes at the same 1st class
postage as US mail.
AFMomDeb@aol.com

Thank you Rosa for sharing the
roses picture. It was a watercolor
that I did for an Air Force Grandmother
for her birthday last year.

Anyone is more than welcome to download
the paintings (graphics) I have on my site.
If you drop the pic into a Word doc.
and print on card stock, they make
nice notecards.

xo xo
Deb

[Tiffanni]

Deb,
Thank you so much for your beautiful words and forwarding them on to me. I'm so proud to call you my friend!

[Vicki Stevens]

Dear Deb:

My name is Vicki Stevens. My husband, Dave, and I are good friends of Tiffanni and Kelly Connell. I just wanted to let you know how much your friendship has meant to Tiffanni. It came "out of the blue" at a very rough time for her. Being here on a day-to-day basis and talking with her either face-to-face or on the phone daily, I see what she suffers through, although those of us who knew and loved Dustin will never know the ache she feels. We make jokes about Dustin "causing" things to happen. But, I really do believe there are angels among us and you just happen to be one of them.

Some of the young men Dustin brought to the farm near Shenandoah still call Dave and I Grandpa and Grandma, and it feels good to be able to share in the kind of love and pride Dave and I have for all of these young people. They are the best of us.

We pray for all those who are serving here and abroad. And we know that Dustin's spirit is here with us, just waiting to pull some kind of crazy prank.

Again, thanks for being there.

[Deb]

Tiffanni,

After talking to you today for the first time... I know why our kids connected.
I feel the very same about you 'friend'.!

Dear Vicki,

Your words have touched me deeply.
Some people shy away or pull back when
a friend has such a loss.
Bless you and all who have been there
for Tif and her family day by day and
continue to be there.

Thank you too for the prayers for
our military.

xo xo
Deb