This was something I learned about through a church website: JustServe.org. We are a pilot stake trying this website out. Basically it is way to connect people looking to do service in the community with people that need help in the community. People and businesses can "advertise" on JustServe.org for help they are in need of. It can be a one time event or an on going project. Anyways, you sign up to volunteer on line if you want to do just that. Well, the way I've got my account set up , if there is something within so many miles of me it notifies me of those opportunities. As I was checking my email one day, I noticed "Snowball Express" At first, I passed right over it. But, then I thought, based on the name, that this might actually be something the kids could do. So I looked into it and the description basically said that we were volunteering to cheer for families of fallen veterans as they walked from the buses to The Main Event. We could make signs and posters if we wanted. It really wasn't very clear but the only requirement was to be happy and patriotic. Got both. And if there is ever anything I can do to help a veteran - or in this case the families of fallen veterans - I am darn well going to do it! What a sacrifice! So, I signed us up. It was on Wednesday (2 days away) during the day. So, a little unsure of what exactly what was going on, we bundled up - as it was freezing - and headed to The Main Event.
When we got there, there was a lot of hoopla as far as police cars, fire trucks, flags... but not too many people, which made me all the more glad that we came to support these true heroes! We got there just before noon, but the people didn't show up for at least 40 minutes. Here is what I found out about the Snowball Express from asking around while there that day: The Snowball Express is put on by American Airlines every year. They provide airline tickets for the families of fallen veterans that want to participate in the weekend long tour of a city (in this case, this year it was Dallas). Where they spend a weekend doing fun things and sight seeing. Everything they do is of no cost to them as everything is volunteered/donated. So, this day, they were spending an afternoon in Plano at Main Event with a catered lunch, the kids got stuffed animals, toys... It was really impressive inside (Seth had to go to the bathroom while we were waiting so we went in). After finding all this out, I knew that there was no way I was going to make it through this event without crying. But, I was SOOOO happy we'd come. I could not have thought of a better way to spend that afternoon. Tired boys was a small price to pay for giving these people the love , respect and honor they deserve!!!
As we hooted and hollered and waived our flags for these people I stood in awe at them. Then, one woman (who I didn't get a picture of) that had walked past, turned around and came back to me. I don't know who she lost but she said to me, "Look at you here, with your precious little boys in the cold! Dallas is so good - so good to us. Thank you so, so much for coming out." Then gave me the biggest, longest hug I can remember ever having. Both of us weeping. Seemingly strangers. Yet at that moment, we were friends - good friends. Then she thanked me again and walked into The Main Event. Of course, tears are streaming down my face now. And I comment to the women next to me that I knew I wasn't going to make it through this without crying.
Oh, how I wish it had been advertised more. More people should have been there - could have been there - would have wanted to be there. But, it was still absolutely amazing. Something I will never, every forget! I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity! I hope the Snowball Express comes to Dallas again in the future. I will certainly try to be more involved if it does!
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