I first read of St Augustine’s Tyler Southern earlier this year. Tyler, a Marine, lost both legs and an arm to a land mine in Afghanistan.
That just twists my heart. I don’t have military relatives and I am not close friends with anyone in the military so I’ve never held my breath waiting for news of a loved one, or (God forbid) had to endure hearing news I didn’t want to hear.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care. I care. Deeply. Every day of my life my heart aches for the families whose loved ones will miss Christmas at home–again–and the ones forced to wake up every day knowing their loved one will never come home again.
So Tyler’s story touched me deeply. I’ve never met him, but I hope I do meet him and his blue-chip wife Ashley someday. Tyler is one of those people I want to be like when I grow up. He is one of those people who make me want to “do more.”
St Augustine “did more.” Through Homes For Our Troops, founded by John Gonsalves, the community built a home for Tyler. Local businesses contributed materials and volunteers rolled up their sleeves and made the home happen.
Tyler and Ashley are getting a new home for Christmas. I’m so happy for them. I wish Tyler, and all his military brothers and sisters, didn’t have to make the sacrifice that put him in a position to need that home. But I am so proud of my town for coming through and not only saying “thank you” to a wounded veteran but also showing him that his willingness to serve his country means something to us all. That he is important to us.
That we see him.
Please read more about Tyler and Ashley Southern here.
Read more about Homes For Our Troops here.
Thanks to Skye Taylor for the flag photo.