There was this girl that I went to high school with 20 years ago. We knew each other, but were not like 'friends'. She grew up 'very' poor. After school she married moved to another state, ended up divorced after having two children. Long story short, instead of remaining poor and going no where, she joined the army at the ripe ole age of 31!!! She has been stationed in Alaska for about a year and thanks to Myspace, we found each other. We chat a little, leave each other comments, etc. Well, she has confided in me that she is really depressed being away and she has to remain in Alaska til December then she gets a break where she could come home for a week or so, but can't afford the plane tickets for her and her two children, etc. So.....I was going to send her a card, but that doesn't seem like much. Any idea's on what I could send her that may cheer her up? Or something.

I am proud of her for trying to make something of herself and joining the army at that age while having 2 small boys. And I understand that financially she can't come home for a visit. So, I just wanted to send something that will give her a smile or something. I will appreciate any idea's or suggestions.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

Beach party in a box. Something that will remind her of warm. If you still live in the same area pictures of your community as to how it looks now. Find out what foods she likes that she can't get there and send them.
That's all I can come up with I am sure I will think of more.

WHere in Alaska, if you don't mind me asking. My sister lives near Fairbanks (Ft. Wayne Write). MAybe you can find out what stores they don't have a get her something from there.

I also agree with the beach stuff. My sister was really depressed 2 years ago and I sent her 2 boxes of sand. I got it from the beach, put it in large ziplock bags, filled 2 of the one-rate shipping boxes from the post office (they were around $10 each box) and sent it out. She loved getting the sand, smelling the ocean, and she even heated up a little and put her feet in it. She said it was the best thing she has ever gotten. (She still has the sand in a large jar in her room.)

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I laugh at you because you are all the same.

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The sand may be difficult unless I buy some at a craft store or something. I live in a small rural town, the closest beach is 6 hours away. Although I do like the idea, maybe the next time someone I know goes, I will get them to get some. For now, I need some more ideas and I know ther's lots of crafty people here, so post some more ~please~!

She is in Fort Wainwright Alaska.

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

Being stationed away from home can be really hard, especially on a single parent. All the ideas already mentioned are good ones. Has she made friends where she is at? There are usually many groups on post for single parents....you might tell her to look into some. I think it's great that you are thinking of her like this......

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Forgot to add.....have her check into her local MWR........many soldiers are unaware of what is available to them....

Fort Wainwright - Morale, Welfare & Recreation

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Wow that's a wonderful idea too. Will definately do that too! THANKS!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

Let me tell you from experience....we lived on Ft Wainwright, AK for 3 years....and depression is extremely high up there. It has too do with the lack of sunshine....it is a proven fact that without the sunlight you will get depressed. But...every winter my uncle sent us a styrofoam cooler full of fresh fruit. It was such a welcome gift and we all enjoyed it more than any other gift we received up there. The fruit that you get up there is worthless. They have to pick it so early so that it isn't spoiled by the time it reaches that area....this makes the flavor just bland. Plus...it is SO expensive to buy any fruit up there. I think she would definitley appreciate a nice box of fresh fruit. I laugh now, because my boys and I would go crazy for that fresh fruit!!!!

Wow, I really appreciate your input. Now, I am sure that I have to do something special for her! But I do have a question for you, if you're able to answer. How in the world did they ship the fruit and keep it fresh in route? I am going to go to USPS and see how long an 'average' package will take to ship. I would greatly appreciate your input on shipping if you can. Thanks again for your input below......

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

It may sound corny, but if she's lacking sunshine...call one of the tanning salons in her area tanning loc: Fort Wainwright, AK - Google Maps give her a gift card toward some time or toward a membership. I don't like to get really tan, but since I'm in the dark in sessions all day I get really grouchy at night because I'm never getting any sunshine. *FYI* You get Vitamin D from the sun. And you can also get that vitamin from tanning too.

I just go in for 5-10 minutes and it perks me back up. Plus it's a little quiet time away from the kiddo! So you kinda feel like you're pampering yourself.

BTW, I think it's really nice of you to want to do something for her!

Please everybody, don't flame me for suggesting tanning. I know the risks. But I choose to anyway.

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Kristee
Kritter0114@aol.com

"Hold on, let me check....YES! I do have a coupon for that!"

Are you still in contact with other old friends from high school? How about asking everyone to send cards or letters every week or two. If you are not in contact with anyone how about getting friends or neighbors to send cards. Even cards and pictures from children would probably cheer her up.

You can order a fruit basket from different online places and they should have the knowledge and responsibility to ensure that it arrives fresh. Maybe a little pricey though.

Another idea might be to pack up some hometown goodies for her. Sometimes when you're away from home, it's a nice treat to get a little treat or something that you haven't had in a long time. For example, when I get a soldier from New England, I do care packages with Polar soda, Dunkin Donuts coffee, local newspapers, BoSox stuff, Boston Baked Beans, Saltwater taffy, etc. Goes over very well. I'm sure there are some regional things for where you are from that she and her children might enjoy.

I second the idea to keep a stream of mail coming to her. E-mail is great, but it is really, really nice to get somethign personal in the mail from time to time. Makes my heart beat faster.

cj/

Maybe Harry and David......I think it's called something like that! They have monthly packages you can send too......

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

The Fruit Company®: Fruit Baskets, Fruit Basket Gifts

Harry and David

maybe try these sites....HTH

__________________
"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O