Marines for Turkey.(hosting Marines on Thanksgiving Day)(Brief Article)

OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA--Last year I woke up on Thanksgiving morning feeling sorry for myself.

First, my extended family was celebrating the holiday in a different part of the country. Second, my husband and I had invited two Camp Pendleton Marines for dinner instead--and suddenly I didn't feel like cooking, cleaning, or even getting out of bed.

I didn't want to spoil the day, and thought jogging a few miles would help, so I sprinted outside hoping to end my pity party for one. The bright sunshine encouraged me to thank God for every blessing I could think of--my family's health, food, good weather, and by the time I returned home, I felt better. But not much. I jumped in the shower as my husband and children left to pick up our guests.

About an hour later, I heard a knock on the bedroom door. It was Keegan, my nine-year-old son. "Mom," he said,"The Marines are here."

I motioned him to sit as I fixed my hair. "Tell me about them."

"They look tired, Mom," Keegan said. "They told dad they just finished boot camp, whatever that is. I'm glad they're here." With that, he bounded out the door.

Then it hit me. Keegan only had nine more years and he would be venturing out on his own. Soon he might be away from his family for the holidays, depending on another person's hospitality. Time was short, and I didn't want to waste another minute. Suddenly, the day of duty turned into a journey of ...