Care packages full of goodies and toiletries and magazines from schools and clubs and individuals are awesome, but the notes they put inside thanking us for our service are my very favorite things to get.

Little kid notes and artwork go right up on the wall in my office:

So cute, right?  Adorableness is not something we see a lot of around here, so these notes always make me smile.

No, Tristian, I don’t know your dad, but every time I see a soldier or airman with the name tag “Brown” I think of you!

Notes from veterans are always very special:

Seeing these veteran notes reminds me that my ability to volunteer for this assignment is due to the sacrifices of people who came before me and fought for my country’s freedom.  I’m so fortunate and so grateful.

It’s great when people leave an email address, so I can send a thank you note!  I send thank you post cards if they include a mailing address.

Notes with coffee are always a big hit:

Any note of heartfelt appreciation is like getting a big hug:

The best item I’ve gotten in a care package to date:  Estee Lauder bronzer!  I had no idea how much I missed make-up and other girly things until I saw that little compact of magic color!

Most unexpected care package item that I didn’t know I had to have until I saw it:  disposable chopsticks from a take-out diner.  They’re in my desk drawer in their paper wrapper waiting for a special occasion when I can use them at the DFAC.  I’m very excited to be able to eat a future meal with chopsticks!  (Yes, it really is that boring here.)

Note that made me laugh the loudest:

No, Daniel, YOU’RE a real hero!  You and everybody else who goes to the time, trouble, and expense of sending treats and good wishes to people you’ve never met.  These love notes from home get us through the long, dark days.  Thank you so very much!

MM