We have a - I'm not sure what to call it - group of folks in town who have made it their mission to honor veterans. Dinners, ceremonies, school programs, that sort of thing.

While I'm proud of my service, it was entirely routine and the rewards vastly outweighed the occasional inconvenience. I've never had any desire to receive any special attention nor have I attended any of their functions. While I appreciate their intent, it's just not something I'm comfortable with.

When the wife went out to retrieve the bird feeder for the night, there was a small bag hanging from the front door addressed to me personally with a tag from "Veteran's Angel Tree". Inside was a gift card for a local business.

Now I feel like a little bit of a shitheel for essentially ignoring their efforts. I'm appreciative but not at all sure how (or if...) to respond.

People who give, so so from the heart. Thank them for their generosity, and enjoy the card.

You know, sometimes people don't just suck. I recognize that this fact can be a bit dissonant to those of us with a particular crustiness.

If you have any doubt, take a look at the Mike Evans thread.

You should accept and be grateful. Which I am sure you are grateful. Other than that have a Merry Christmas.

Well, you could also pay it forward at some future opportunity. Next time you see someone needing a hand up, or even an animal shelter. Then you get to feel good too.

How to respond?

There’s a variety of options:

Tape it to a brick along with a note saying: “I don’t need your charity!” and throw it through their window. Who do these people think they are leaving their trash on your doorstep?

Or,

Graciously accept it for what it is: a gift. A recognition that despite a person thinking themselves as not a being hero, just doing the job, not being anybody special, etc., that the planet is a better place for having you on it.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Graciously accept it for what it is: a gift. A recognition that despite a person thinking themselves as not a being hero, just doing the job, not being anybody special, etc., that the planet is a better place for having you on it.

Of course. Apparently I failed to communicate my feelings accurately. I DO appreciate it. I guess I need to get a name or contact information and send them a thank you card. And paying it forward is an option I'll investigate.

My fault for not saying what I was thinking.

One, you are not a shitheel in the slightest.

Two, I don’t think you have to do anything else. I’m assuming we aren’t talking about a larger amount.

I could be wrong, I have a hard time receiving gifts. I’m usually on the giving side of things and mostly anonymously because my decision is not predicated on receiving anything in return. I enjoy doing it because I can.

The veterans from the Vietnam era were ridiculed/spit upon and generally disrespected. It is difficult to change gears and trust any optimistic gift from any anonymous source. Hopefully, this is a legitimate thank you!