Saturday Morning Message: Navigating Changes In Our Lives

Good Morning TAPS Family,

As we enter this last weekend of April, we have begun to see the new growth taking place in the world around us. As flowers bloom, trees take their familiar green shape, and warmer weather greets us, we have an opportunity to explore new growth in ourselves as well. Change has knocked on our door in so many ways. While not all change feels hopeful, we can look to nature and even to our own histories for how we have accommodated past changes. In these remembrances, we can find hope in seeing how we have successfully coped with many changes throughout our lives. Together this weekend, may we all observe the changes both around and within us and take a hopeful step forward. We are all in this together - every step you take, your TAPS family is right with you!  

Photo by TAPS Staff

Question for the Week

Some changes blindside us, while others are chosen. Some we fight against, while others we embrace.

How have you been able to navigate the changes in your life?

Thank you for your willingness to share your thoughts with all of us in the Saturday Morning Message! As you lean into these questions with courage and transparency, you are growing the foundation of support that is TAPS - and we are so grateful for you.

Much Love, 

TAPS

▶▶  We Welcome Your Reply

In order to have your reply considered for next week's edition of the Saturday Morning Message, please send your response by Tuesday morning, April 27, to online@taps.org. The Saturday Morning Message (SMM) was created for survivors to share information with those who have subscribed with each other.

Responses to last week's question

April is National Volunteer Month. As we honor our fallen heroes at TAPS, we also acknowledge those survivors who give of themselves as Peer Mentors and Legacy Mentors.

In what ways do you give back as a volunteer?

From Liz, Spouse of Joseph: Once the pandemic eases, I'll be back to my Monday morning volunteering at the local Vet Center. Answering the phone and making reminder calls isn't much, but it lessens the work for the employees. I also knit lap robes for the Rhode Island Veterans Home and prayer shawls for the hospice facility where my Joe died.

A Special Note

Patricia, Mother of Christopher, sent in a special note about a response shared by Sandra, Mother of Josh, to our recent nature question in our April 17 Saturday Morning Message:

Dear Sandra,

I just wanted you to know how touched I was by your memory of Josh in your backyard. Your words were so soothing and peaceful....a real reflection of your spirit. Thank you for sharing. Joshua’s light still shines for sure.

Hugs,

Patty

▶▶  We Welcome Your Comments

If you would like to send a note commenting on one or all of the responses in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to online@taps.org and your thoughts will be passed along to each contributor. You never know how your words may touch the heart of another. 

▶▶  Send Your Favorite Song, Poem or Recipe

Each week, we publish a song, poem, or recipe that has special meaning for our survivors. If you have a favorite that you would like to share with the Saturday Morning Message community, please send it to online@taps.org and include a note about why it is meaningful to you. These beautiful points of connection can offer hope and inspiration to others.