My friend Steaven and I spent most of the day yesterday baking and being crafty. One of our friends had an operation, so he and I decided to make a gift basket for her.
One of the greatest things I’ve gotten out of going back to school is meeting some really amazing people and making friends with them. These are the people that can really make you laugh and smile, especially when you need it most. And when they’re not there, it’s noticeable, the day seems to drag on and everything feels dull and depressing.
Though she was only going to be gone a few days, it felt like months to us. We also had a five day weekend to add onto that due to Thanksgiving holiday. Steaven, and I and another friend got together the week before Thanksgiving. We were trying to figure out when we could all get together, but we couldn’t find a day where one of us didn’t have a conflict. It ended up just being me and Steaven, but we included our other friend spiritually.
Even though we had fruit in the fruit basket, we added her favorite chocolates. We then made chocolate chip cookies and Hershey kiss cookies and put a mixture in a small tin to add to the gift basket. While the cookies were baking, Steaven and I made her a card from scratch. I have a nice size collection of stickers, construction paper, stamps and colored ink pads, which I have collected over the years and still use now and then for times such as these.
When we got to her house she looked shocked and almost ready to cry when we gave her the gift basket. We just wanted her to know we care about her and that she is missed.
Today is Thanksgiving
Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving ON Thanksgiving, I can relate to this. I think there was only one time I was ever in port on Thanksgiving when I was in the Navy, but the other Thanksgivings I was out to sea. My ship is the only one that I know of so far that moved Thanksgiving to the day before or the day after as we usually had to work all day on Thanksgiving day.
Usually I hear civilians complain about working on holidays, but I’m sure they don’t think of the military men and woman who are far from home, instead of being with their families during those days. I’ll never forget my first Christmas away from home and I’m sure other service members won’t forget each holiday, anniversary, and birthday they’ve missed too.
I didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving today as one of my sisters had to work. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow.
Author Jennifer N. Adams 
How very sweet of you & your friend to make such a thoughtful gift basket; and to personalize it with the things you know she loves… I’m sure she felt very special, and missed :-).
You also make a very good point about the holidays and special occasions that our military men & women miss, as they are serving our country. The military is never “on holiday”, and nobody knows that better than you.
Enjoyed your post, and wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to you!!
She really loved it! She saw all the chocolate and was really excited! Yes, thank you, sometimes people forget about our men and women in the military. I’m in a big military family, so they’re always in my thoughts and prayers no matter what occasion or day it is. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Have a great thanksgiving! We usually have multiple thanksgivings due to in-laws and divorced parents.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well! Usually we do multiple Thanksgivings as well, but that didn’t happen this year; just one Thanksgiving this time.
Your friend’s reaction to the gift basket makes me want to make one. But first, one of my friends has to get sick. Or do they?
Nah, they don’t have to get sick. you can even give them one for Christmas. 🙂
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