| Band Of Parents And Supporters, "bops"
Last year a group of parents and supporters informally united to reach out to a midshipmen in need. None of us have met, but kept in contact through CC and internet.
This female midshipman's Dad died in May 2007 of a brain tumor, then in Dec 2007 she found out her Mom was terminal with liver cancer. The message went out through this CC and the parents of midshipmen reached out in love. Some Moms knit comfort shawls for Jen, her sister and her Mom. Another Mom made a beautiful embroidered pillow with sayings, flowers and birds. Still another purchased a quilt and sent it with laundry pens for the midshipmen to sign the back. When midshipmen found out what was happening, there was a spontaneous reaching out in love, and money was gathered among the students for Jen to fly home weekends to be with her Mom. Students started making homemade encouragement notes, and leaving notes for her. We had an Encouragement Party, attended by many of the female midshipmen. We gave her the gifts, had a luncheon, prayed with her, let her know we were there for her, and had a group hug. Her Mom died just before finals.
That fills in for the new parents what happened. Now I want to go on with the reason I am writing. I want to fill BOPS in on the "rest of the story". Jen graduated with honors in June. My husband and I were on our feet yelling as we are so proud of that midshipman!! I had the privilege of chatting with her younger sister and brother at Jen's graduation. Her sister is going away to college, Jen is going to help put her through. Her younger brother, who has a form of autism, has moved in with a wonderful cousin and his wife, and they are making him part of their family. Jen has a great job , and is able to sail and support the family.
There were many obstacles, roadblocks and crisis's that had to be handled along the way! We took them one at a time, and cleared them away. She has done so well, we are all very proud of her. Her sister told me that her Mom got the biggest kick out of knowing the secret about the Encouragment Party. I had emailed her and included her in our big surprise, as I thought it would give her something fun to think about. When Jen called her, right after the party, her Mom told her that she had known all about it and had seen pictures of all her gifts. Also, her sister said that she and her Mom so enjoyed their comfort shawls, so thanks ladies for your time and love.
So, many women responded that we have three more comfort shawls stored for other female midshipmen who have a difficult time.
So, new parents, if you are interested in helping out, you can informally join BOPS. This is only that when a need comes along, I or anyone posts it, and if there is someone with that talent, or wants to help, can volunteer.
Don't forget Jen, her younger sister and brother. They went through more than most of us go through in a lifetime, and all in the period of one year. They will continue to adjust. She is a wonderful example of the caliber of strength and character we see in the KP midshipmen. | 
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