All Up In the Underwear

Yesterday included one of those moments that I cling to when I wonder why I'm here.  (Here in Germany, as opposed to wondering why I'm here in general, which would require far too much philosophical effort and therefore might interfere with an opportunity to nap or read fiction.)

I clutched in my fluffy little arms the following:  9 pairs of men's plaid boxer shorts, 12 pairs of men's boxer briefs, 15 men's white t-shirts, three pairs of basketball shorts and a long-sleeved shirt.  NEVER had I had so much fun shopping for men's undies, because these were heading along with me to a place I wish every one of you could see...but hope that none of my soldier friends will ever need.

It's called the Chaplain's Closet.  It was begun in 2001 at Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany by an army chaplain like my Sir who saw a basic, heartbreakingly simple need - and did something about it. The background:

 As most of you know by watching the news, our soldiers of all branches who are wounded in war are brought to Landstuhl to stabilize and receive care.  You'd be astounded, as I was, to know how quickly this process happens - often they're in the emergency room within 6 hours, and if they make it to Landstuhl (most do,) 96 to 99% survive.  What an INCREDIBLE testament to the professionalism and expertise of our pilots, flight nurses, and the staff at this amazing hospital.  The success rate is simply unmatched anywhere.  I'm so proud to be part of the military family.

Back to the Closet.  It never occurred to me, but thankfully it did to someone - when a soldier is injured, his clothing is usually cut off quickly so he can be treated.  He arrives at Landstuhl with the best in triage and medical attention, but when he is stabilized, he has absolutely nothing with him.  The Chaplain's Closet was opened, and still exists today, to provide basic comfort items and necessities to these brave, wounded soldiers.  When they're able, they can wheel or walk to this cozy room in the hospital building and choose clothing, toiletries, lap blankets, shoes, slippers, dvds, notebooks, etc etc etc... even a backpack to put them in.  I can only imagine how wonderful it would feel to have just a little something of your own at a painful and scary time. 
The Closet is entirely funded and run by volunteers, not the military.  Sir and I discovered it soon after we arrived here in Germany, and it's been close to my heart ever since. 

But wait....there's more!

Few people know that I had a prior connection to Germany.  When he was My Girl's age, my wonderful dad was an Army medic for a couple of  years between college and grad school.  He worked out of the Rhine Medical Depot on an ambulance train which took soldiers to the brand new, built-in-1954 ......wait for it......Landstuhl Army Hospital!!   Don't you love it when life goes full-circle on ya?

So, because my dad always asserts that he "doesn't need a thing.  Not a thing."  when I ask what he'd like for Christmas, last year we decided that we'd donate sweatshirts and sweatpants to the Chaplain's Closet in my dad's name, to honor his service 55 years ago to our country and to the hospital that, these many years later, is giving such good medical care to his daughter. Good grief, that was a long sentence.  I need to take a breath now and then.  When I told Dad, he declared it was the best possible gift ever (excluding the time My Girl gave him a personalized photo calendar he wouldn't even write in because he loved it so much.)  We had such a great time shopping and delivering that we decided to do the same thing again this past Christmas.  We weren't able to get to Landstuhl till yesterday,  (oh-so-typical for Procrastinator-Me) so Christmas was a little late, but once again it was a privilege to contribute in our small way to such a worthy ministry.  As I scrambled through the PX, dropping skivvies right and left, I was so honored to pray for the soldiers who will wear them. 

Note to self - they do have shopping carts at the PX.  Note to readers - I did not deliberately match my lipstick to the plaid, and yes, I'm aware that I need a fashion update on the berry shades. 

Here's Handsome Dad in action:

Third from the left, with the big smile.  He really loved Germany.

No, girls, he's not single.  But I have a brother who looks just like him in this photo!  Not even kidding.  Message me if you're forty-something and fabulous and I'll give you his digits.

There's the reason he's not single.  Still beautiful as she approaches 80, and absolute perfection as a mother, except for the fact that she forgot to genetically bless me with those gorgeous legs.  Instead I spent 45 years with bird legs, which then unfortunately morphed into turkey drumstick legs. 
She loved Germany, too.

This is where they lived for part of the time they were stationed here, and it still looks exactly like that.  We know, because we went there when my parents visited us last September.

There are more stories to tell about that trip, but not today. 

Mom and Dad, the Closet was happy to receive your gift yesterday.  We set things up so that even when we are stationed back in the States, we will continue to send supplies to the Chaplain's Closet in your honor, for as long as you like.  Thank you for serving!  We love you.