Recently, I received an email from Lisa Solonynko who is a great inspiration to all.

Lisa was born and raised in Ontario, and had been living in Alberta for 20 years before heading to Cyprus. Her family is currently in Cyprus very isolated, completing a 2 year United Nations Peacekeeping mission. They are dedicated to helping support their community.

While in Cyprus, her family has endeavored to keep their community spirit going. They work with the International community in Cyprus as well as housing abandoned dogs in their home until they are healthy enough to be adopted. Canada is always in their minds and they are raising money for the MFRC through her greeting card sales. Because of my link to Mike McTeague's Wounded Warrior Fund, she has included them as a charity.

Her site makes it easy for both soldiers and families of deployed soldiers to send cards to their loved ones. Simply pick a card...customize the inside message and provide the shipping address. She will send it for you.

If you need a custom design, just let her know and she will create an original piece that is exactly what you need.

Lisa says: Thank you so much for your sacrifice and confirming my Canadian pride. and to Families of Deployed Soldiers: Thank You for your sacrifice and the support you give our members. I know how hard it can be while a loved one is deployed.

Thank YOU Lisa from the bottom of our hearts here in Canada. You're a true inspiration to us all. All the best to you for all you do for our soldiers and families and to your husband on his mission.

Lisa's Cards can be seen and purchased at:

or: http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/lisasphotographydesigns

Proceeds from her store will go to the following Canadian organizations: Woundedwarriors.ca, and the Military Family Resource Centre.

With Dusty Sands of the Afghan Desert

The other day, I dragged my feet through the door after a long day. I turned to check my mail and there it was buried between the ads and the bills - a Canada Post Parcel Pick up tag. Ignoring the other mail, I quickly picked it up, examining the tag for clues. No clues. Coming to intimately know the hours of the Postal Outlet I checked my watch - closed. I returned to my car and affixed the tag to my shifter knob - a keen reminder for the next day.

Feeling as though I again was a child in the early mornings of Christmas day, I just couldn't wait. My day at work finally finished and I swiftly jumped into my car and drove to the Post Office.

As soon as the staff saw me enter their outlet, they quickly became very bubbly and so excited!

Dave soon re-entered the counter area caring a brown paper wrapped parcel - just a beaming!

"It's for YOU this time... this time YOU are getting a parcel!" he exclaimed. I recognized the handwriting on the parcel... it was from my son!! Running my hand on it, I soon felt the dustiness of the Afghan sand. Together we looked it over - looking at the stamps - the HUGE $8 stamp on it - as well as the others. A heart and "Happy V-Day" was written on the one side.

The staff asked if I was going to rip it open in the car. I said, "Are you kidding? I need to take pictures of it first!" (if you know me, you'll know how me that statement is) As well, I noticed it also had my husband's name on it, so I knew I should wait.... some more. Promising the staff that I'd return to disclose to them what treasures were inside, I strode out to the car, beaming yet nervously caring the parcel. Was it the replies for the children's letters? hmm.

That evening, we sat on the sofa in the living room. I set up the camera for a picture when the dogs both jumped on the sofa with us - just as curious if not more. Carefully, trying not to tear the lettering, I proceeded in opening the parcel. First we opened the card - it was so beautiful.

Somehow I felt as though lots of love and a hug enveloped us as we read it. I then wept.

I love you too my son. We're so very proud of you. Happy V-Day to you too.

Love always, Mom

When I open my eyes,

I can clearly see

The colour of the Canadian sky looking back at me

Within a parcel dusted with Afghan sand

A Valentine card clutched tightly in my hands

I can feel a huge tear rolling down to my chin

I can only feel the pride from deep within

The words he wrote with such amazing grace

I wipe the tears falling from my face,

For the love from my son I received from away

Fills my heart full of love on Valentines Day.

~ Military Mom