I'd like to start a new thread.  Many of us have become friends via this wonderful living thing called AnySoldier.com.  We are often beating with one heart, and that is to give comfort, aid, and support to America's boys and girls who are serving our country and the cause of freedom.  They put themselves in harms way, and we pour out our hearts, send letters, empty our pocket books and cupboards, and knock ourselves out to be there for them in what little ways we can.  It has become obvious to me that we also care a great deal about each other in our concerns for the health and emotional well-being of each other when we hear about an illness, injury, or sense someone is questioning themselves.  I would like this thread to be for the sharing of needs and conerns of the supporters who may need a kind word or prayer or get well wish from each other, and hope Marty and Sue can see the value in it as well.  We give so much in heart, mind, and deed to our troops, it just seems logical that we need a venue and vehicle to support each other in this undertaking.  Private messages are nice, but perhaps a group thought and well-wishing for someone who values those "kids in the sand box" and American Patriotism as we have done may be just what is needed to warm a heart or help one person heal.  I hope you feel the same and will join me in this.

Now, if I may be the first to request your thoughts and prayers (whatever your belief--All are welcome!) for one of our own, I would like you to consider taking a moment to say a brief prayer for my friend Arlene Gran  ("Gran" as AS junkies know her) who will undego back surgery tomorrow, and pray also for her doctor and family, it would be much appreciated.  You may not know that she has been in terrible pain and with limited mobility, and has still taken care of our troops selflessly.  She is a wonderful lady who supports our troops overseas with a very big heart, and has shared her knowledge and support of us-who-support-them.  Regarding her surgery I asked her permission and she has said that prayers would be most welcome in this note I received from her: "Yes, prayers are welcomed, any and all.  There is power in prayer.  My belief is to pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my savior."  Amen.

Gran, we wish you the best, and hope to see you back with us with renewed health soon.  You are an AS Supporter Hero as well.

Thank you all for reading this and sending your good wishes to Gran, and may each of you be blessed as well.

Debbie

Hi Deb,

How sweet of you to start this thread, especially for one of our very generous supporters of AnySoldier----Gran, who needs our prayers now.  I, e-mailed her and she wrote back that she is on crutches and pain meds and not able to get around very well.  And she still sent out all those packages to our extremely brave men and women.  She is an amazing woman.

Gran, I sent you another e-mail, and I want you to know that I am praying for you and your loving husband, Jack.  Yes, there is power in prayer.  And may God watch over you in surgery tomorrow.

Mimi 

Gran!!!  I've missed you so much here in the forum!!! I'm sorry, so sorry that you've had to endure this!  We're sending the warmest of thoughts to you and starting our prayers for you NOW!  "Hey" to Mr. Gran too!  You are both Heroes in my book!  I know more Blessings are in store for you both!  My Utmost, Michelle

[thanks, Debbie!]

 Gran, I too have missed you. I have learned much from your posts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope this terrible pain will lessen and you will feel better soon. Diane

Gran, 

My eyes are watering already.  You don't know this, but reading your posts makes me think of my mom.  The voice in your words is very similar to hers.  I look forward to reading many more of your words, but don't forget it is OK to stop for a while to take care of yourself.  Oh, you are so like my mom, always taking care of others.  Please do take care of YOU for a while!  You will be in my prayers.

Sherry J

Me too Gran! Speedy recovery to you. I know you support the heck out of our soldiers, PM me if you need a hand with one or two of your contacts this month, happy to fill in :) Shelly

Thanks Debbie for starting this thread.

Hi Gran,

I will pray that when Jesus has his hand on your surgeons shoulder tomorrow that the surgery goes swiftly and well and that your pain will be gone. 

Many blessings,
Vicki

Oh Gran... we'll be praying for you tomorrow!!!  I hope this procedure brings you the relief you deserve!!!  {{{hugs}}}

Gran,

I have been on the forums since almost day one and so have you.  You are an inspiration to so many of us.  You are in my prayers - may all go well with your surgery and may you have a speedy recovery and as little pain as possible.  God bless you, Arlene!

With hugs and prayers,

Lilly

Gran,

Even though I am pretty new to the forums, I have really enjoyed reading your posts also, and am so sorry that you have not been feeling well.   I've had quite a few friends with back problems over the last ten years, and I remember the pain they were in...I'm so sorry.  I will pray that you have a successful operation and  quick and complete recovery.  Take care of yourself and know that there are a lot of us out here that are thinking about and praying for you!!  May God Bless you, Mr. Gran and the rest of your family as well.

Hugs,

Dawn

As I prepare for my 5:30 check-in at the hospital this morning (with no hot tea or water - gag), I am seeing some people with hearts bigger than life (and some of us have mouths pretty big too - LOL!)  Thanks for all well-wishes and prayers.  We hope to be back on the job in a couple of weeks, Lord willing, pain or no pain - we must get our troops through their deployments!  BTW - our vet grandson is back in state for now.

Hope to "see" ya in a couple of days.

Gran

I have always looked to your posts for common sense and wisdom. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I hope that you will be feeling better soon!

Gran, I hope all went well today! I'll be looking for an update, so let us know how you're doing when you're able to get back on the Forum. You and Mr. Gran are in the prayers of me and my family.

  Jenifer

Mrs. Gran

I have missed alot in the last few days here.   But I saw this and want you to know my husband and I will be praying for you and your recovery.   The power of prayer is like nothing else in the world.    We have a special place in the house where we go to pray.........any time of the day.  There are many times my 3yr old grand baby (Nevaeh) will fold her hands in prayer and I will ask her if she wants to pray.  So we walk to that area and sit quietly and pray.    Prayer is powerful and we wish you much strength to heal (Prayers offered to Mr. Gran to as he will be helping you).

I too have learned alot from your many many many insightful posts.    God bless the both of you.

Love peace and blessings.........Anne Marie