I missed last week’s article due to what I’m told is called the “Carolina Crud.” I have a severely weakened immune system so I must be extremely careful when I’m hit with some sort of bug. I think I’ve got this beat now, and as of this writing, I’m feeling much better.

 

We did send two pups to Upstate, both around 7 months old. One broke its leg jumping off a couch, and the other pulled loose from the boy who was walking him and got struck by a car. Both are doing okay, but there goes all the holiday monies I raised this year. Oh well, that’s what it’s for!

 

Sometime in the middle of December, I received a call from dear friends and ardent supporters of my kids.

 

“Could you help a friend whose dog is not eating? She’s a special lady, Lennie,” they asked.

 

“Of course,” I replied. “Have her take the dog down to Landrum Vet. I’ll be there first thing in the morning to have them expect your friend’s dog as one of Lennie’s Kids and for them to run whatever tests they deem necessary.”

 

“Thanks Lennie.”

 

“You’re welcome. Let’s hope we can make things right.”

 

The next morning when I went to Landrum Vet, I was told Debbi and Britta were already in the first room with Dr. Raines. I tapped on the door saying who I was.

 

“Come on in, Lennie,” Donna replied. When I went in I saw Britta for the first time, a 3-year-old solid black German Shepherd whose beauty took my breath away. I made a brief greeting to Debbi and went straight for Britta as I asked questions.

 

I learned that Britta had been off her food for a few days and a bank of tests would be done for her. As I was talking to Dr. Donna, I just kept stroking Britta, and Debbi, through all her worries, had a smile on her face.

 

“She’s taken to you like she’s always known you.”

 

“They have good taste,” I replied jokingly, “Now let’s make this beautiful girl all better.” I gently rubbed her ears.

 

From this point on our tale is going to take a slightly different turn, but please bear with me for it is a subject that is as dear to my heart as my precious kids.

 

At the initial meeting with Debbi and Britta I asked to bow out early and told Debbi she’s in good hands.

 

“I’m meeting with the Knights of Columbus from my church and we’re going to Asheville to feed the homeless vets,” I explained. “It’s a great program that gets many of our fallen soldiers back on their feet.”

 

Debbi looked at me smiling and said, “I am a Blue Star and a Gold Star mom.” She has one boy who is on board the USS Detroit, and another who gave his life in Afghanistan.

 

I tearfully turned back to her, deeply moved by the turn of events. “God bless you,” I blurted out, “I will add your boys to my prayers and whatever else I can do for you, you just ask.”

 

“I am grateful that you’re helping Britta, she means the world to me. I have Geoffrey’s leather jacket with his company’s insignia on it. I’ve had it for years and I’d like to give it to you.”

 

“I’d be honored,” I replied. “I’ll do my best to give it the proper deference it deserves.”

 

Two days later I received a beautiful black leather jacket with a dragon on the back and the motto, “Death Before Dishonor.” Inside was a note, “To Leonard Rizzo for helping Britta in honor of Geoffrey Whitsitt.”

 

I felt as if I was holding something holy. I had to make sure I gave this jacket the honor it deserved. I showed it to my fellow Knights at church and to fellow vets at the American Legion, asking for advice.

 

This is what I have decided. Tuesday, Feb. 7 will be the Knights’ next trip for our homeless soldiers. I would like to present a check to them in Geoffrey’s name. I’m hoping I can raise at least $500, more would be nice. If not, I will personally make up the difference. I also have a vet that I intend to present that jacket to, but you’ll hear about that when all is said and done.

 

You all know how to reach me. We have two weeks. Just say it’s for the fallen soldier. We can never give enough to match the sacrifice of Debbi and her boys, but I know this for sure, “To those who give, much will be given.”

 

God bless you all and God bless America. Thanks for listening.

 

Lennie Rizzo, “Lennie’s Kids”

245 Ioka Hills Rd

Columbus, N.C. 28722