Retired United States Army First Class Sergeant Luciano Yulfo was being honored recently at a New York Knicks game in Madison Square Garden when something happened that he was never expecting.
When Yulfo was brought down to the court, he had no idea the team’s Hoops For Troops had a big surprise for him!
During his 36 years in the military, Yulfo served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He medically retired from active duty in 2014 after he was injured while deployed in Afghanistan. After being injured, Yulfo was stationed at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for 2 years. He finally retired from the military in April of 2016, 36 years after he enlisted.
As soon as Yulfo got back to the U.S., he applied for a service dog to help him deal with the injuries he suffered overseas, but he found himself placed on a waiting list for 18 months. When the Knicks heard about this, they knew they had to do something to help him.
Between quarters, the team brought Yulfo onto the court and gave him a personalized Knicks jersey. They then left him speechless by giving him a new service dog!
An organization called Paws of War trains and places rescue dogs with U.S. military veterans, and they decided to give a dog named Murphy to Yulfo! Each dog is trained specifically for the needs of the individual veteran they are serving, so Murphy is already completely prepared to help Yulfo!
Yulfo was overwhelmed by this gesture and he immediately dropped to his knees to greet the dog. It is clear that these two will be best friends for many years to come!
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GRANDPARENTS! WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOVING A GRANDKID AND LOVING YOUR OWN CHILD?
Oh, the magic of grandparenthood! It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, isn’t it? You’ve captured it beautifully.
Before I became a grandparent, just like you, I thought my heart was full to bursting with love for my children. Every milestone, every challenge, every moment was etched into my soul. I poured everything I had into raising them, and the love I felt was a force of nature.
Then, my grandchild arrived. And it was like discovering a hidden room in my heart, a room filled with pure, unadulterated joy. There’s a lightness to it, a carefree delight that’s different from the all-consuming love you have for your own children.
It’s true, there’s no pressure of daily discipline, no constant worry about every little thing. You get to be the fun one, the one who whispers secrets and indulges in silly games. You’re the purveyor of extra treats and the safe haven for whispered worries.
For me, the difference lies in the perspective. With my children, I was building their future, guiding them through the complexities of life. It was a hands-on, deeply involved kind of love. But with my grandchildren, I get to savor the present moment. I get to witness their wonder and joy without the weight of responsibility.
It’s a love that’s just as profound, but it’s seasoned with wisdom and a sense of detachment. I can appreciate the fleeting moments of childhood with a deeper understanding, knowing how quickly they pass.
It’s like watching a beautiful play unfold, knowing you’ve played your part in setting the stage, but now you get to sit back and enjoy the performance.
And yes, absolutely, I feel the same! It’s a love that’s both familiar and utterly new, a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a love that proves the heart truly does have endless room to grow.
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