June 10, 2017
Funny how the simple gift of a pen can inspire.
The motivation to go on. Do you sometimes go in actual search of that…
Or merely sit or lay and wait for that? Let go and let it be a God kind of thing?
While I was doing a bit of that, the mail came. I plowed through the bills and whatever, to arrive at the only package. A small package from an address I did not recognize. I opened the box and inside was this custom made pen. The colors and design resemble the trouser leg of a Marine Corps dress blues uniform. Made impeccably perfect. I looked at the name on the return address and did not recognize that either.
And then I remembered. The man is a veteran who’d read Thirty Days, and said he would make and send a pen. And here it came. I smiled. I smile as I write this.
Sometimes, the heavens open up and a beam of sunlight shines down. This gift is one of those events. Here’s the pen, and a photo of the letter I sent back this morning…
Gods purpose for you is so amazing. What you are doing for so many is so evident in this priceless gift you have received.
I am so sorry for your loss of Harvey, what a beautiful spirit. I have read all of his short stories and what lessons in life he had to give us all. Praying you will put all of those stories in a book for generations to come.
God Bless you Jim Strauss.
Henderson. The enigma wrapped in a riddle packaged inside a mystery.
Someone wrote that once, but I don’t remember who. Thank you for the kind words.
I am getting back to mission orientation, although having direction is a bit difficult
when leaving souls behind…back then and now. It was no easier back then. I just deferred that
angst, pain and utter anguish, as so many did along with me. God Bless You Nancy, and those of you out there
like here…that those of us like me try to be like…or at least fight for and defend.
Con Dios
Jim
The Pen, “Mightier than the Sword”. Very apropos. Use it wisely.
Glenn
I am endeavoring to persevere with the pens I have been gifted…
Thanks Glenn and,
Semper fi,
Jim
It’s strange how we attach to something that brings us hope and courage to carry on. I think this is an item to be really treasured. I am honored to know you from being a reader and maybe I’ll get to shake your hand in July. Siempre Fi Jim
It will be mostly my pleasure James, to meet some of the special guys I’ve come to know through this
endeavor and the writing on this site….Thank you…
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow,just Wow! Semper Fi Marine. Carry on.
Thanks Don, means a lot to hear supportive words on here.
I took a few days off because my 17 year old ‘support’ cat died
on Monday. I haven’t eaten a thing since last Sunday. I knew the
importance of the animal in my life but I had no idea there was any
linkage between him and the telling of this story…until now.
I sit here wanting those days of dead emotions to get on through.
I’ll make it but it’s kind of different.
Semper fi,
Jim
Jim, sorry to hear about the loss of your nighttime buddy. Get yourself another kitty when you can bare to do so. Your best friend seems to be one that lives a nocturnal lifestyle.
While a new cat will not replace your old friend, it will serve to remind you of the peace and comfort you find, in having a constant comrade through the endless nights.
Would that it was that easy. That one was for the ages so I can’t replace him.
I just have to move on. I mean a lot of you out there have been exactly where I am
right now so I know you understand.
Semper fi,
Jim
Truer words have never been spoken.
Thanks Tom, I am trying my best to get it all down as accurately as I can.
Thanks for the kind words here…
Semper fi,
Jim
It is said that the pen is mightier then the sword and that is a true statement. The pen is the gateway to the heart and the mind, that reveals one’s true self. It writes with the authority of the author’s heart and being. It is a gift that often sets one free when used properly.
One again J, the depth of your writing always surprises me. Thanks for this meaningful and well written comment…
Semper fi,
Jim
Outfuckingstanding!!!!!
Probably wont’ put this in print but that’s exactly what came to mind when I read this.
garrieoin
Of course we will put it in print. Don’t get many compliments, of the Marine variety, much bigger than that!
Semper fi,
Jim
Beautiful — these are the things in our lives that make this journey meaningful and worth traveling.
Yes, neat gesture that goes deeper than the word gesture signifies.
Thanks for taking note and writing about it here.
Semper fi,
Jim
When I see something like this I’m reminded of the deep bond of brotherhood that only those of us who shared the experience of combat can understand the meaning of this gift. Keep up the great writing.
Yes, there is something there for those of us who went and then participated in that awful shit.
I’m not sure exactly what. Maybe the rendezvous will help with a bit of that…
Semper fi,
Jim
I love it when I see personal notes written longhand. It is becoming a lost art. My penmanship is not the greatest, but I do enjoy writing and receiving notes and letters written longhand. I have an aunt who is a penpal and writes often in longhand, bless her heart. I enjoyed seeing your note to your friend, the maker of your pen. What a great way and what an encouragement to start my day.
Thanks for the wise and deep words written in your comment here.
And thanks for letting me know I encouraged you. Important right now…
Semper fi,
Jim
That is from the heart! Fantastic endorsement of what your project means to Richard and so very much more.
Thank you
Yes, means a lot. A lot!!!
Semper fim
Jim
Kindness like this pen always come from the heart. I’m sure you will treasure it.
I treasure it already and carry it everywhere.
Soon, people will get tired of me telling the story about how it came to me!
Semper fi,
Jim