A Visit with Nate, November 2005, 5th Floor

A Visit with Nate and His Family

On our third visit to Bethesda, we met Nate and his family. Nate was in our sons’ battalion. He was a gracious host and after meeting his parents, I know where he learned that from.  I could also understand why my Marine has such high regards for him.  He talked with us for quite awhile, answered our questions, and we felt as if in a way, we were spending time with our sons.

Nate and Morgan

Generous donations from family, friends and co-workers enabled us to take dinner for the ward – teriyaki chicken, salad, garlic bread, noodles, fried rice, cookies, brownies, pies, oranges, and muffins.

Pies and desserts

We also had Christmas stockings for Nate, Morgan, and the other Marines we knew there, a gift basket for his parents, and cards from well-wishers.

Janelle's trunk was full!
Janelle’s trunk was full of “niftie gifties!”

As we were setting up, another couple arrived with food – chicken, doughnuts, and rice. They also knew injured Marines from their son’s battalion and had the same idea we had…

Main dishes on the buffet table.

We were taking care of our own.

Toward the end of our visit with Nate someone else stopped by to say hello to him.  He was there visiting the wounded Warriors on the hospital ward.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Nate, Nov. 2005

Nate’s Mom and his girlfriend sent us a thank you note not long after our visit and with their permission I am sharing some of what they said.

From his Mom:

I want to thank both of you for brightening our afternoon yesterday. It felt like we were in someone’s home and had a party. . . . It was so relaxed and the food soooo good and filling!!! I appreciate the gifts, cards and love that came with it. It felt like a little Christmas party 🙂

. . . . I have confidence that God will provide for our needs at all times. I am so richly blessed to know this family and feel warmth and comfort in my heart. When you go thru stuff like this it really makes you aware WHAT counts in life and what is important. I want to give you all a BIG (((((((HUG)))))) and thank you for the love and prayer support.

JANELLE…JANE…AND THE OTHERS THAT CAME…..YOU ARE AWESOME AND MADE OUR DAY!!!!!!

From his girlfriend:

Thank you soo much for coming out to see us, I had a great day yesterday thanks to you and Janelle. You ladies both know how to brighten peoples days and show that you truly care about our Marines!! Thank you!!!  And the stocking and presents made me feel like I was at home again celebrating Christmas. – It was incredible!!  I felt like a huge sense of reality * For the first time in a long time*

THANK YOU!!!

Nate is making good progress in his recovery and he and his Sweetie are planning a wedding!

~ Jane