Heroes Haven

After getting back from a quick trip to Georgia on Monday, getting stuff taken care of for the Jeep on Tuesday, getting the windshield fixed and cutting through red tape on Wednesday morning/afternoon, we set out for the Eastern shore of Maryland. Justin had a hunting trip there that he nearly wasn't able to go to (hence the red tape cutting), so due to changes of plans, I was bringing him instead of the recreational therapy people. I was worn out from the drive from GA and while I was happy he was getting to hunt, I wasn't so excited about tagging along. I figured Corey and I would just be in the way and bored out of our minds. I was wrong.

We met up at the gun range so that Justin could test of the rifle he'd be using for the long weekend. Once we was done, they told us we'd be escorted to the local American Legion for a lasagna dinner. We were surprised to find that we would be escorted by police and 50-100 motorcycles through a couple towns where people lined the streets waving American flags and holding signs to welcome us and the other two wounded warriors who were able to attend the trip. After the dinner, we followed our host family to their house where we would stay for the rest of the week. They didn't just treat us like guests, they treated us like family. Knowing that Justin is in a wheelchair, they had a ramp set up so that he could get into the house and other things to make the stay easier for him with his needs. We had a great time getting to know them and Corey had a great time having sword fights with Mr. Hank and chasing Mrs. Kim all over the place.

Justin got to hunt on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and managed to kill 4 does. While he was hunting Corey and I got to sleep in, relax, and hang out at the hunting lodge some. On Saturday, we went to the zoo with Kim, her sister, and her two nieces. We had plenty to do to keep us busy and enjoying ourselves while Justin spent time in the woods. We definitely ate very well during our time in Sharptown, MD. Between two different American Legion posts and the hunting lodge, we were shown so much hospitality and generosity. They welcomed us as honored guests and we left as part of their community.

On our last night there, they held a banquet to recognize everyone who helped make our awesome week possible and to honor Justin, Dustin, and Will - the three men from Walter Reed who were able to be there. They presented them all with keys to the city, plaques for lifetime memberships to the American Legion, gave them the guns that they had used for the week, and so much more. They even had a huge giftbasket full of snacks and toys for Corey. The name of their organization is Heroes Haven and it is such an accurate name. Justin got there run down and stressed out. He left there relaxed, happy, and thankful for all these kind people did for us during the week. While he was worn out by the end of every day (and sometimes long before the end of the day lol), it was from doing something he loves rather than a crazy schedule of appointments and meetings. He fell into bed at night relaxed and excited for the next day.

Before we left this morning after the farewell breakfast, so many people told us we were welcomed to come back any time. We can't wait to take them up on it. This weekend went by way too fast and even Corey kept saying how much he loved Sharptown and didn't want to leave. We are so thankful for the opportunity for Justin (and Corey and me) to be a part of the Heroes Haven event for 2013!