Saturday Morning Message: Our Favorite Memories From TAPS Events
Author: Carol Lane
Good Morning,
Happy First Day of Spring! For many of us, spring brings thoughts of new beginnings or renewal. As we begin to slowly emerge from quarantine over the next few months, many of us may be experiencing a sense of renewal as we venture back into activities, hobbies and routines that brought us joy before the pandemic with feelings of hope and excitement of what is to come.
One of those activities might be traveling to a TAPS seminar or another TAPS event to see old friends. This week, survivors shared their favorite memories or experiences from previous TAPS events. We hope that their stories help bring back your favorite times with TAPS and that brings a smile to your face.
A Special Note:
Our featured photo today is of Carol, mother of Bryon. As many of our readers know, Carol Lane created the Saturday Morning Message many years ago as a way for survivors to stay connected between TAPS events. Over the years, this has been a platform where the TAPS Family could share their personal thoughts and experiences about a variety of topics and, most importantly, special memories of their loved ones. Carol will be stepping away from the Saturday Morning Message after this weekend's edition. We would like to give our sincere thanks to Carol for her dedication to this publication in honor of her son.
We look forward to continuing to connect with you each Saturday and also receiving your questions, responses and special songs and recipes each week at online@taps.org.
Thank you for being a part of our Saturday Morning Message community.
Have a great week!
Responses from Survivors to last week's question
What is the most enjoyable experience you have had at a TAPS seminar or event?
From Kelsey, mother of Michael: At the TAPS National Seminar in 2016, I was sick and needed a doctor. I went up to a TAPS leader asking where to go. A lady behind me said, “I'll take you.” That lady is now my best friend. We text nearly everyday.
From Samira, mother of Andres: I love this question. What is my enjoyable experience? That is easy to answer! I met all of you, the staff of TAPS and all the families! Thanks.
We Welcome Your Comments
If you would like to send a note commenting on one or all of the responses in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to online@taps.org and your thoughts will be passed along to each contributor. You never know how your words may touch the heart of another.
Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message
How has TAPS been of support to you during the pandemic?
Our nation marked the 1 year anniversary of the beginning of quarantine on March 12. During the last year and this unusual time, while we were unable to gather in person, we would love to hear how TAPS has been of support to you. Maybe there's a program or resource you have found helpful. We look forward to reading your responses.
In order to have your reply considered for next week's edition of the Saturday Morning Message, please send your response by Tuesday morning to online@taps.org.
We Welcome Your Questions
The Saturday Morning Message was created so survivors can share questions and read how others respond. Questions for future messages are always welcome and can be sent to online@taps.org.
Song for the Week
This week’s song, "California Dreamin" was sent by Bob and Kitty, parents of John, who wrote, “I’m sure this will bring back memories for many. It is very well done.”
Send Your Favorite Song or Recipe
Each week, we publish recipes or songs that have special meaning for our subscribers. If you have a favorite recipe or song for this section, please send it to online@taps.org and include a note about why it is meaningful to you.
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Other Items and Events of Interest
Join us on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 to 30, for our 27th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar! We will be live streaming all of our general sessions with guest speakers.
Important Note: In-person registration is still open, but we are in a waitlist situation due to COVID occupancy restrictions in the State of Virginia.
If you have any questions, email seminarregistrations@taps.org or call our Helpline at 202.588.TAPS (8277).
▶▶ Connect With Your TAPS Family
You can discover all the opportunities to connect with your TAPS Family on our website at the TAPS Event Calendar.
About the Saturday Morning Message
The Saturday Morning Message (SMM) is a weekly communication contributed by survivors. The primary focus of the SMM is to foster peer-based connections for support and encouragement. It is the goal of this communication to foster a safe, supportive place where we can openly share in a nonjudgmental and caring manner. Read and contribute as you are comfortable. Content submitted for the SMM is edited for space considerations and may be used in other TAPS publications. The loving family at TAPS is available to you 24 hours a day. Please call 202-588-TAPS (8277).