I'm pooped...almost too tired to type, but I've got to write this down while it's all fresh in my mind.  I spent the day with antlers on my head, a Christmas tree twinkling on my collar, and being amazed at the generosity of the American people.  A local church held their annual Christmas party for the troops and their families staying in the Fisher Houses.  The beautifully appointed houses become "home" to families of injured or ill military from all branches of service.  We fed nearly 100 people on three turkeys, two hams, a mountain of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberries and all the rest of the trimmings!  All of which were expertly cooked by a chef, member of the host church, and served by volunteers.  There would have been more families, except a generous donor had taken many of the families to Disney World...flight and all! 

Too bad they missed the main event of the day; Santa arrived on his motorcycle, accompanied by a bunch of Gypsies, all on their big hogs!  Santa and Mrs. Claus were on their bright red motorcycle, complete with antlers.  Ready and waiting, we of the elf variety, had a huge sack full of presents with the names of every child present.  The gifts had been sent from all over the United States from huge hearted Americans, and each child went away with their wrapped present and a huge stocking filled with everything from pens & pencils to DVDs and video games from Soldiers Angels volunteers.  The afore mentioned Gypsies' [president of the local group] handed out gift cards to each of the adult attendees.  They may look big and mean, but their hearts are as soft as bunnies!  When all of the presents were handed out, Santa patiently sat while large men and women took their turns on his lap for photos.  He found it difficult making his getaway after all that abuse, as every child wanted a ride on his motorcyle, and he patiently complied.  What a trooper!  It was NOT a cool day, and that red suit and hat must have been getting really HOT, but he made sure every child had a turn.  His very real beard, and famous red button nose seemed to take it all in stride.

Brookes Army Medical Center, adjacent to Fort Sam Houston, houses two (soon to be four) Fisher Houses.  The new houses are due to be dedicated on January 29, 2007.  These two new houses are 13,000 square feet each, nearly tripling the size of the two existing houses of 5,000 sq. ft. each.  The new houses are complete with beautifully appointed dining rooms, a kitchen any woman would die to have, a large luxurious living room and a den with a huge screen television.  The grounds include a huge playground, and a special meeting house that will be able to host everything from birthday parties of the residents, to meetings for volunteers or donor organizations.  The new houses back up on a beautifully landscaped arcade that leads to the soon-to-be-open Intrepid.  This state of the art rehabilitation facility will teach military personnel who may have lost a limb, or multiple limbs, or who have other traumatic injuries, how to live with their new condition.  I will never get used to seeing these young heroes who are missing a limb, but who give you a big grin when you tell them (in my case, tearfully) how much you appreciate them.  They inevitably return a cheery "Thank You" or "No problem". 

Inga, the manager of the BAMC Fisher Houses, is a German emigre.  She has a heart as big as all outdoors, a crazy sense of humor [so much for the taciturn German stereo-type], and is determined to work for the Fisher House organization to her last day.  She's the 2nd longest employee of the organization, with 14 years of service to her adopted country's military at Fisher House.  She's one of those unsung heroes who stand behind our troops.  She leads an army of volunteers, many of whom have been with her since the beginning.  She has two assistants, Russ the ever present fixer of all things that need to be fixed, and the lovely and recently retired Mstr. Sgt. "Charlie"  (I didn't know they made sargents that lovely!) who seems to be everywhere at once!  If it needs to be done, she's either figured out how to do it, or has done it herself.

How can I complain about being tired, after spending a day like this with so many special people?  You're right.  I can't!