Gratitude Practice 2016 Nov 11: The Power of Little Green Army Men

I grew up in a home chock full of brothers. My brothers and their raggedy friends were my playmates for the majority of my childhood. Our toy box was mostly full of muscle-y action figures and toy jets and jeeps and boats. These toys were my preferred toys and these boys my preferred companions. One Christmas, I got a bunch of leggy Barbie dolls and the bright yellow Barbie bus because I think my parents were trying to feminize my play. Their hopeful and well intended plan kinda backfired because after I got over my disappointment my brothers and the neighbor kids convinced me we could use the Barbies as giant alien invaders and unite our G.I. Joe and Star Wars forces together and defeat the busty blonds for an inter-galactic battle royal....and we did....and it was awesome!

Without question, the key to winning the great Barbie War of 1987 was the sheer power and force of our small but fierce collection of little green army men. We had what seemed like hundreds of them and they were strategically used throughout our childhood adventures to protect and defend...wherever and whenever we needed them. At the time, I really had no idea the scope or significance of our military forces...but what I did know was that they were ever present, always dependable and forever willing to protect and defend when needed. Now as an adult, I think about how much hope and trust we put into these silly pieces of plastic and realize that these feelings are materialized by hundreds and thousands of strong, brave and courageous men and women...who, like the toys of my young, are faithfully there...where and when we need them. For this I am forever grateful!