Even in the midst of our economic challenges, we have a lot to be thankful for. When we despair and be critical and cynical (and yes, I do my share) among the best of immediate remedies is "an attitude of gratitude." Here's a story about why I am so thankful to live in this amazing country.

About five years ago a nurse named Heather Ehle had a vision. She wanted to provide free retreats for military families, so that those returning from combat could have a safe place to reconnect with loved ones. Heather didn't want any government money or military involvement. She just wanted to help. Heather is one of those people who has a mission, and is unstoppable.

Let me introduce you to Project Sanctuary  a retreat center based at Snow Mountain Ranch of the YMCA of the Rockies in Granby. Here Heather holds five day retreats for military families, allowing them to be "off the grid"; no cell phones or TVs and 6000 acres of horseback riding, fishing, skiing, and all kinds of other diversionary therapies. While Heather provides everything, the families relax and have fun. What's best about her program, though, is the on-site counseling Project Sanctuary provides. Couples can attend Financial Peace classes and daily two-hour seminars on Healthy Marriages. Military couples are sometimes reluctant to get help through the military. Project Sanctuary gives them a place to heal.

Returning combat vets have alarmingly high rates of suicide, substance abuse, and divorce. Over the past few years Heather has hosted 22 retreats for over 140 families. Heather follows "her families" for two years and there have been no suicides and only five divorces - an amazing rate of success for a winning formula. There are 800 families on the waiting list.

Phyllis and I just spent four days volunteering at a Project Sanctuary retreat for 11 families - 22 children altogether - and their parents. We'd have delicious communal meals and days filled with activity. We, along with other volunteers, played with all the kids - from babies to preteens - every morning while their parents learned how to communicate or make a budget. In the afternoons, the families went horseback riding, or bowling, or roller skating together. On the last evening, the couples went to a "Heroes Night Out" at a local restaurant while the volunteers held down the fort with a massive pajama party for the kids.

I met so many terrific soldiers and their wives. I was proud to serve them any way I could. These are heroes who make my heart swell with pride and gratitude. They do their jobs with competence and humility, and their families endure a lot more stress than the average American family. It was amazing to see their bright smiles and hear them laughing with their kids. Heather Ehle is a genius and a saint. She could use your help, so please think about donating to Project Sanctuary, or volunteering for a retreat.

Thank you, Heather, and thank you to all the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for us. You are always in my heart.

Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving and,

Keep the faith,

Bob McConnell

                     www.beawatchman.com