be grateful, everyday

Last night j & i went to a premiere of their show for his upcoming episode on the American Widow Project. When the full 3 are available online, I will post a link so you can watch them. here are the trailers.

I met Taryn, who began the AWP. 22 years old. Looking at the 10 that came out to the premiere, most of them are younger than me. Their relationships were beginning, new marriages, a new life. Their stories are heartbreaking. Some of their husbands killed overseas, some murdered. One girl is 7 months pregnant. Her husband died just 4 short months ago, 2 months after he deployed. They gather together to heal, and by sharing their stories, remind us of what life is about.

The American Widow Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to the new generation of those who have lost the heroes of yesterday, today and tomorrow, with an emphasis on healing through sharing stories, tears and laughter………Widow to Widow. We are currently in production with a documentary covering the lives and hardships of widows from the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars. From the day we met our spouses, to the knock on the door, these stories are a key to healing.

I think this is something that every woman I know can relate to. We look at the men in our lives every day, knowing they will come home, that we'll see them again. Knowing that some people can't have that luxury should push us to help. It's a relatively new non-profit. They are filming stories of eachother to put into a documentary to send free to new widow's soon after they receive the news. They want them to know that other girls have been there, and understand what they are going through. They try to plan activities together so they can get through this.

Spread the word, and donate if you can. They are an inspiration to all who hear their story. And this week, call the men in your life and just tell them you love them. For the women that can't.

{ i've added their link to my sidebar }