A Letter of Hope
It all started as a simple school project, something my 10-year-old daughter Annie was excited about. Her class was asked to write letters to U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq. Annie put her heart into her letter, drawing a red, white, and blue cat with the words ‘Be safe, and thank you.’ I told her not to get her hopes up about getting a reply—there were so many soldiers out there, and they were busy. But Annie didn’t mind. She said it was fun making the card.
One fall afternoon, she came running through the front door, waving an envelope in her hand, shouting, ‘Mom! I got a letter from a soldier!’ I was stunned. It was from Sergeant Scott Montgomery, stationed in Iraq. He wrote about how his truck was hit by a bomb during a mission and how he got injured. While he was recovering in the hospital, someone handed him Annie’s card. He said it made him smile when he needed it the most.
That letter sparked something beautiful. Annie immediately wrote back, telling Scott about her life—how she loved gymnastics and SpongeBob, and even how she played office on her dad’s computer. She started checking the mailbox every day, hoping for another letter. Weeks passed with nothing, and I thought Scott might be too busy to reply. But Annie kept believing.
One day, a package arrived from Iraq. Inside was a rope bracelet, a stuffed camel, and another handwritten note from Scott. He explained that every soldier in his unit wore a bracelet like the one he sent her. Annie wore it everywhere—even to bed.
As Christmas approached, Annie had another idea. ‘Let’s send Scott a holiday care package!’ she said. We filled it with frosted cookies, Chex Mix, gum, and lip balm—things he couldn’t get easily over there. Annie even put Scott’s name in her prayers every night.
Months passed again, and then a large box arrived. Inside was something we never expected: an American flag covered in messages from Scott’s entire unit. His note explained, ‘We flew this flag in Iraq and Kuwait. Everyone in my team knows about you, Annie. This is our way of saying thank you.’ I couldn’t hold back my tears.
We finally met Scott when he came home safely from Iraq. He invited us to a military tribute event. During the ceremony, Scott stood on stage and called Annie up to join him. He said, ‘This young lady was there for me when I needed her most. She deserves to share this award.’ He handed her a plaque and a bronze eagle. But then he reached into his pocket and pulled out something even more special—his Purple Heart. He pinned it on Annie’s jacket, saying, ‘You earned this.’ The whole room erupted in applause.
Looking back, I never imagined that a simple letter could change so many lives. Annie’s kindness, her hope, and her prayers built a bond that went far beyond words. It reminded me that even the smallest act of compassion can create something truly extraordinary.