Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice

We have enough Blankets
We have enough Bibles

We have an updated list for items needed for our annual backpack drive.
"Macs Packs Random Acts of Kindness "
We will be purchasing our own backpacks, but if you have some laying around,we will gladly accept them.
Each backpack will contain the following items:

EDIT:

*WE ARE ADDING A BATH TOWEL*

1 Backpack
1 blanket/throw
1 Solar blanket (if we can get them in bulk)
1 Hoodie/Sweatshirt or light jacket
2 Shirts
2 pair of socks
1 pair of leggings
1 pair of gloves
1 Knit hat
1 Bible
1 Journal/pad
1 American Flag
1 Hygiene Kit either a male/female kit
*We are adding a bar of soap*
1 $10.00 gift card for a meal
1 Flashlight
1 Emergency Whistle
2 Hand warmers
2 Foot warmers
1 Card signed by packer with message (optional)

TOTE
We will figure out a list for the totes they will be receiving in addition to the backpack.
The totes will be filled with non-perishable items.

If you would like to donate time, or items for backpacks or make a monetary donation, you may drop off with
Diana Vasquez, located at 9521 Monticello Dr,Pecan Plantation in Granbury or
at Tractor Supply Co. in GlenRose.
Ask for Thomas Johnson, and he will square you away.
All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you, and God Bless!

Did you know? That the leading cause of Homelessness among Veterans is
PTSD, social isolation, unemployment, and substance abuse. Veterans account for 11% of homeless adults in the US (Sep 29, 2022)

Did you know? Data show that on a single night in January 2022, there were 33,136 Veterans who were experiencing homelessness in the United States –

I know we can't save them all, but we can do what we can and help one at a time.
Be a pebble that causes a ripple in that pond until it reaches the end.

If you would like to find out more about how you can help out, check out our page on Facebook.
Stars,Stripes & Sacrifice. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in The Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding in all your ways take notice of Him and He will make your path straight.

Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice a 501c3 non-profit organization geared to making backpacks for homeless veterans is in search of/in need of a place to store items for our Backpack drive.
Do you have space, you can rent out?
Do you have an enclosed trailer, you aren't using?
Please, let me know.
My master bedroom is jam packed with items and we are running out of room!!

We have an updated list for items needed for our annual backpack drive.
"Macs Packs Random Acts of Kindness "
We will be purchasing our own backpacks, but if you have so.e laying around,we will gladly accept them.
Each backpack will contain the following items:
1 Backpack
1 blanket/throw
1 Solar blanket (if we can get them in bulk)
1 Hoodie/Sweatshirt or light jacket
2 Shirts
2 pair of socks
1 pair of leggings
1 pair of gloves
1 Knit hat
1 Bible
1 Journal/pad
1 American Flag
1 Hygiene Kit either a male/female kit
1 $10.00 gift card for a meal
1 Flashlight
1 Emergency Whistle
2 Hand warmers
2 Foot warmers
1 Card signed by packer with message (optional)

TOTE
We will figure out a list for the totes they will be receiving in addition to the backpack.
The totes will be filled with non-perishable items.

If you would like to donate time, or items for backpacks or make a monetary donation, you may drop off with
Diana Vasquez, located at 9521 Monticello Dr,Pecan Plantation in Granbury or
at Tractor Supply Co. in GlenRose.
Ask for Thomas Johnson, and he will square you away.
All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you, and God Bless!

How amazing is this!!

Did you know? Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans .

Did you know? About 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness.

Did you know? That about 53% of individual homeless veterans have disabilities, compared with 41%of homeless non-veteran individuals.

IN THE SHADOWS

In the shadows of the city, where the concrete meets the sky,
Lives a silent band of heroes, with stories that defy
The simple labels given, of "homeless" and "alone,"
For they are veterans of valor, their tales etched in stone.

Once they stood so proudly, in uniforms of might,
Bravery and duty their beacon in the fight,
They served with honor, they bore the weight of war,
Yet now they roam the streets, unseen, ignored, and sore.

Their medals now are tarnished, their uniforms threadbare,
The echoes of the battles still linger in the air,
Memories of comrades lost, of sacrifices made,
Haunt their restless dreams, in the cold and in the shade.

They seek a shred of solace, a corner to call home,
A place to rest their weary bones, no longer forced to roam,
But the streets are unforgiving, the nights are harsh and cold,
Their stories left untold, their struggles left untold.

Let us not forget these warriors, who once stood tall and strong,
Let us lift them from the shadows, where they don't belong,
For every homeless veteran has a tale to tell,
Of service, sacrifice, and a country they served well.

May we see beyond the surface, past the wounds that scar,
And offer them compassion, a guiding light, a star,
For they are not forgotten, their valor still shines bright,
May they find peace and shelter, in the darkness of the night.

Dedicated to all our fellow Brothers and Sister's in Arms that are homeless.

Whether we’re assembling something, playing a game, or doing our jobs, we have an easier time following instructions if we understand them. The same is true on our spiritual journeys. We might stumble through some of God’s commands on our own, but when we seek and receive understanding, obedience springs from our hearts, and not just from a set of instructions.
Lord, thank You for Your word and its guidance in my life. Grant me wisdom and understanding, so that by learning Your word I may know You better. Give me insight to understand the heart of love and truth behind all of Your instructions, so that I may walk more closely with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Hey y'all this is Diana. I just wanted to let everyone know, that we are still working on our backpacks for "Macs Random Acts of Kindness 2023"
I have had a lot going as I'm sure most of you have had too.
In addition to the backpack drive we will also be doing a tote full of non-perishable items so that each homeless veteran has so.e provisions too. I will.set up boxes at certain stores, not sure which stores yet,but I will keep y'all updated.
Thank you to all who have already made donations.

Blessings,
Sgt.V

As this year comes to an end, I pray that everyone welcomes the New Year with an open heart.
Leave the past, in the past.
If someone wronged you, Forgive
If someone hurt you, Forgive
Do not hold a grudge
Do not have hate or animosity in your heart
Learn to let go
Look at the New Year as a chance to start over
A new slate, wiped off and giving you the opportunity to start anew.
May this New Year bring you all an abundance of love, blessings and prosperity.

2 Corinthians 5:17
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”

Much love ❤️

I wrote this one a while back but thought I'd share again.

CHRISTMAS EVE

I'D LIKE TO SHARE A STORY
FROM NOT TOO LONG AGO
ABOUT A GROUP OF HEROS
WHO SERVED ACROSS THE SHORES

THEY DIDN'T GET TO CELEBRATE
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOR
INSTEAD THEY WERE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY
THAT SHOWED THEM LITTLE FAVOR

THEY SEE THEM AS THE ENEMY
BASED ON WHAT THEY'RE TAUGHT
NEVER ONCE REALIZING
WE'RE THE PROTECTORS THAT THEY SOUGHT

I HAVE SO MANY MEMORIES
OF MY TIME OUT IN THE SAND
BUT ONE REALLY STANDS OUT
IN THIS FOREIGN LAND

WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
AS WE CAME UNDER ATTACK
ROUNDS AND MORTARS GOING OFF
THEY DIDN'T CUT US ANY SLACK

WE THOUGHT SINCE IT WAS CHRISTMAS EVE
THAT WE'D BE SAFE FOR THE NIGHT
BUT THE ENEMY HAS NO REMORSE
AS THEY BROUGHT US TO THE FIGHT

I REMEMBER PRIOR TO IT ALL
MAKING A PHONE CALL HOME
LETTING ALL MY LOVED ONES KNOW
THAT I WAS FINE, ON MY OWN

WITHIN MINUTES OF THE CALL
THATS WHEN HELL BECAME UNLEASHED
AS THE BOMBS SHOOK THE BUILDINGS
AND ROCKED THE EARTH BENEATH

I WAS TALKING TO MY FAMILY
AND ALL THEY HEARD WERE EXPLOSIONS
I DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE
I WAS OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTIONS

I KEPT THINKING,
WHAT THEY THOUGHT
WHEN THEY HEARD
THE BOMBS DROP

DID THEY THINK
THAT I SURVIVED
PERHAPS THEY THOUGHT
THAT I HAD DIED

AND TO THINK ALL THIS HAPPENED
THE EVE OF OUR SAVIORS BIRTH
WHOSE PURPOSE WAS TO
BRING US ALL PEACE ON EARTH

I FIND IT HARD TO FORGET THAT DAY
AT TIMES IT HARD TO RELIVE
ESPECIALLY EVERY YEAR
AND EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE

I'M THANKFUL THAT I MADE IT THAT NIGHT
ALONG WITH ALL MY FRIENDS
SO NEVER FORGET OUR DEFENDERS
WHO FOUGHT TO THE VERY END

SO WE COULD ALL BE SAFE
AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY
REMEMBER THAT THEY'RE ALONE
AND VERY FAR AWAY

KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS
SO THEY CAN ALL BE SAFE
IT WASN'T VERY LONG AGO
I WAS IN THAT PLACE

BY DIANA VASQUEZ
SGT US ARMY

Merry Christmas Y'all 🎅

UPDATE : All of the Angel Tree ornaments have been chosen and many gifts have been received at the store to be wrapped and delivered to the kids for Christmas! 🎅🏼🎄🤶🏻
IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN A CHILD’S ORNAMENT, PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING THEIR GIFTS TO THE STORE BY DECEMBER 15.

Thank you to the employees at Tractor Supply in Glen Rose and the Tractor Supply at 1350 N US Highway 281 in Stephenville for making this effort possible.
And especially THANK YOU to all the kind, generous folks who are blessing these children for Christmas!
Sincerely,
Sgt. V
Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice

Come out to Tractor Supply Co in GlenRose and pick out a name of a child that could use a blessing.

Come by Tractor Supply Co located at 200 West Gibbs Blvd
Glen Rose, TX 76043 and be an "Angel" to a child in need. We will have an "Angel Tree" up with names of children in need.
🎄🎅Make a childs Christmas memorable and be a blessing they so desperately need 🎄🎅

There will also be another tree, Tractor Supply, Stephenville Located at 1350 N US Hwy 281
*Each location will have 25 different names*

Much Love,
Tractor Supply Co. - Glen Rose TX
Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice

Tractor Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and I am not posting this to get recognition; but more as a reminder.
1) We (most of us) volunteered for this.
2) All of US would do it all over again, if given the opportunity.
3) I would much rather YOU, honor those we lost,in a HUGE way; such as MAKING AMERICA GREAT! UNITY, FREEDOM, AND BROTHERHOOD. This is how I would much rather acknowledge VETERANS DAY.
4) Do something kind for someone, ANYONE! One random act of kindness, can go a long way!
5) Thank GOD everyday for each and every breath we draw.

Proverbs 3:5,6

Stay safe, stay blessed, and continue to be a blessing to others.

Blessed more than I deserve!

Much love, Sgt.V

It's almost time for
"Macs Packs Random Acts of Kindness " to start filling and handing out backpacks. We had one of our supporters fall through and are in desperate need of the following items:
BLANKETS
HOODIES/SWEATSHIRTS/ JACKETS
SOCKS
SOLAR BLANKETS
UNISEX TSHIRTS SIZE XL, LG

I will update the list as the need is met.
Thank you,and blessings to you all.

V/R
Sgt.V

Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice is pleased to announce that we are partnering with a foster home for kids this Christmas.
We will have an Angel tree put up at Tractor Supply Co. in GlenRose with the age and gender of each child. If you are so inclined to do so,stop by and pick one out.
Feel free to purchase whatever you'd like. Age appropriate of course.
I know the child you pick will be blessed by having someone remember them this Christmas.

I know it's garage sale day, and it's our last day to get rid of stuff.

If you have any of the following items that are gently used, consider donating them to our Homeless Veterans Backpack Drive.
We at Stars,Stripes & Sacrifice will gladly put them to use!!

We are looking for:

Hoodies/Sweatshirts
Blankets/Throws/ Sleeping bags

Good day y'all! I want to thank everyone for coming out Saturday night and supporting our Stars,Stripes & Sacrifice Fundraiser
We had a great turn out and even more so we had a great time!!

I will contact the winners of our Silent Auction today, and if need be,I will deliver the items to them.

Thank you from Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice and all of the Veterans whose lives you just blessed by allowing us the means to a need.

God Bless you all!
Love a grateful Veteran 🙏 ❤️

DianaVas-Par

It's here!! Today is the day!!
Come on out this evening and enjoy some good homemade Fajitas with all the fixings.
Bid on some of our various Items for our Silent Auction.

Here are some items we have to bid on.

• GENERATOR

• 10" TABLE SAW

• DRILL COMBO SET

• 5.5 GALLON FUEL CAN

• HANDMADE WOODEN AMERICAN FLAG

• 4 PASSES TO FOSSIL RIM

• SQUAW VALLEY GOLF 4 PASSES

• DIAMOND EARRINGS

• MARY KAY GIFT BASKET

• PASTA FINA GIFT CERTIFICATE

• MAMA MIA GIFT CERTIFICATE

• VILLAGE BISTRO GIFT CERTIFICATE

• MANTRA AT PECAN 5 FREE HAIRCUTS

• BROOKSHIRES GIFT CARD

• KNIFE AND BAG COMBO

• TACTICAL SHOTGUN

• QUILLOW X2

• BLANKET

• ORANMENTAL BIRD BATH

• BLACKIES DINNER FOR TWO

• STARS,STRIPES & SACRIFICE DUFFLE

• HANDMADE CHARCUTERIE BOARD

• LASER ENGRAVED CUP

1 day out from our Stars,Stripes & Sacrifice Fundraiser

We have some really great items to bid on!
I will post an updated list once we have all donations.
Come on out and eat, bid on a few items and enjoy the evening.
All proceeds go to help our Annual Backpack drive.
Macs Packs Random Acts of Kindness 2023

Poem #6 from.my book

Me and this Flag

ME AND THIS TATTERED FLAG
HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON
WE'VE BOTH BEEN USED
AND SOMEHOW FORGOTTEN

FORGOTTEN BY THOSE
WHO NEVER WALKED IN MY SHOES
THEY'VE NO RESPECT FOR OUR FLAG
FOR THIS WE ALL LOSE

WE'VE LOST THE MEANING
OF WHAT AMERICA WAS
SO MANY DISRESPECT IT
JUST BECAUSE

LET THEM WALK IN
THE SHOES OF MY BROTHERS
THEN THEY WILL SEE
WHY THERE IS NO OTHER

FLAG THAT WILL FLY
AND PEOPLE WHO WILL DEFEND
YOUR FREEDOM AND OUR COUNTRY
TO THE VERY END

YET YOU DISRESPECT IT
AND THOSE OF US
WHO FOUGHT WITH OUR LAST BREATH
AND YET YOU SAY "WHAT'S THE FUSS"

IT'S OBVIOUS YOU DON'T KNOW
JUST WHAT THIS FLAG MEANS
THE STRIPES, THE STARS,
AND EVERY SEAM

HAVE A SPECIAL MEANING
FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME
WHO FOUGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY
SO YOU COULD BE FREE

IT'S YOUR PREROGATIVE
TO TAKE A KNEE
YOU'VE GOT THAT RIGHT
BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE ME

BUT DON'T YOU FORGET
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
THOSE WHO WE'VE BURIED
AND TEARS WEVE ALL CRIED

SO YOU TAKING A KNEE
IS A SLAP IN THE FACE
YOU THINK YOU ARE COOL
BUT YOU'RE A DISGRACE

A DISGRACE TO MY COUNTRY
AND ALL I HOLD TRUE
SO DO NOT DISRESPECT
MY RED,WHITE,AND BLUE!

BY DIANA VASQUEZ
SGT US ARMY

One of my favorites.

We are 2 days away from our Stars,Stripes & Sacrifice Fundraiser
Come on out and support a worthy cause, eat some Fajitas and bid on some items from our Silent Auction.
We will have a variety of items such as a golf package for 4 at Squaw Valley Golf, a package for 4 at Dinosaur Valley to include a guided tour, a 10" table saw donated by Lowes of Granbury, a two piece drill combo set donated by Home Depot of Granbury, a generator donated by Tractor Supply of GlenRose, and much much more.
*ALL PROCEEDS GO INTO OUR ANNUAL
MACS PACKS RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS BACKPACK DRIVE TO ASSIST OUR FELLOW HOMELESS BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS*

*ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE, AS WE ARE A 501C3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION*

Poem #2 From my book

What a Smile Hides

It is scary at times
What a smile can hide
A massacre of emotions
Burried deep inside

Just when you think
You have them beat
They force you into hiding
And you slowly retreat

Retreating back
Into a shell
That makes your life
A living Hell

Then all at once
You are back to pretending
All the while
Your worlds are colliding

The one where you pretend
Everything is fine
The other where
You wanna break down and cry

You want to let the emotios out
But at the same time
You hold them all in
At the cost of your very own mind

It is scary at times
What a smile can hide
A massacre of emotions
Burried deep inside

You wear a smile
To hide the truth
But there is no way
You can elude

From all that it hides
Deep inside
A smile is a smokescreen
It is just a disguise

To hide the truth
That you somehow survived
It's scary sometimes
What a smile can hide...

By Diana Vasquez

starsstripesandsacrifice.godaddysites.com

We are 3 days out from our Fundraiser and Silent Auction. Y'all come on out, eat some Fajitas, bid on some items and enjoy the evening with some new friends!

Poem # 4 from my book.

If you feel this way and need someone to talk to, please feel free to contact me.

DESPERATE

I FEEL ALONE
LIKE NO ONE CARES
I SEEK HELP
BUT NO ONE IS THERE

WHO DO I TURN TO?
WHERE DO I GO?
I AM BROKEN,
MORE THAN YOU KNOW.

I TURN TO THE BOTTLE
TO BRING ME PEACE
TO HELP ME FORGET
TO SAY THE LEAST

NOTHING I DO
BRINGS ME RELIEF
MY REALITY IS
HARD TO CONCEIVE

MEMORIES AND FLASHBACKS
WON'T LET ME BE
I AM MUCH LIKE A SHIP
THAT'S BEEN LOST AT SEA

DRIFTING AWAY
FARTHER AND FARTHER
WITH NOWHERE TO GO
AND NO SAFE PLACE TO HARBOR

THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED ME
I'VE BECOME DESPERATE
WHO CAN I TURN TO
I FEEL SO HELPLESS

I AM SO FED UP
I AM SO DISGUSTED
I'VE BEEN LET DOWN
BY A SYSTEM I TRUSTED

THEY WILL NOT HELP
OR GIVE ME ASSISTANCE
LIKE SO MANY OTHERS
I'M MET WITH RESISTANCE

I'VE COME TO A POINT
WHERE I AM DESPERATE
THERE IS NO HELP
SO I MAKE MY FINAL EXIT

BY DIANA VASQUEZ
SGT US ARMY

5 days out, until our Fundraiser!

Poem #3 From my book
Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice
Stars,Stripes & Sacrifice Fundraiser

One of the Many

I AM ONE OF THE MANY FACES
THAT YOU WILL SEE
YOU'D NEVER KNOW IT
BY LOOKING AT ME

I FOUGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY
NOT LONG AGO
I HAD A DUTY, A PURPOSE
A PLACE TO GO.

BUT TIME AND CIRCUMSTANCES
HAVE TAKEN THEIR TOLL
AND I'M ONE OF THE MANY FACES
THAT YOU'LL NEVER KNOW

I AM HOMELESS VETERAN
YOU PASS ME BY, DAY TO DAY
BUT NEVER ONCE
DO YOU LOOK MY WAY

I MAY NOT LOOK
LIKE I'M WORTH THE WHILE
BUT I AM SO MUCH MORE
BEHIND THE SHATTERED SMILE

I SERVED MY COUNTRY
I FOUGHT TO BE FREE
BUT YOU'D NEVER KNOW IT
BY LOOKING AT ME

I AM HOMELESS VETERAN
AND I AM JUST ONE
OF THE MANY FACES
THAT YOU SEE IN MANY PLACES

I SLEEP UNDER BRIDGES,
AND AT CITY PARKS
EMPTY BUILDINGS
OR BENEATH THE STARS

I'VE LOST MYSELF
AND LOST MY SOUL
MY LIFE IS SPIRALING
OUT OF CONTROL

YOU SEE ME BEGGING
ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE
I FEEL SO WORTHLESS
LIKE I SHOULDN'T BE IN EXISTENCE

HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?
I WAS ONE OF THE ELITE
NOW HERE I SET
BROKEN AND DEFEATED

I SERVED MY COUNTRY
ONCE UPON A TIME
NOW I'M JUST ANOTHER HOMELESS VET
STANDING IN LINE....

JUST ONE OF THE MANY FACES
THAT YOU WILL SEE
A HOMELESS VETERAN
LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY

BY DIANA VASQUEZ
SGT. US ARMY

DEDICATED TO MY FELLOW BROTHER'S AND SISTERS IN ARMS.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

We are a week out from our Fundraiser for Stars, Stripes, & Sacrifice . Every penny goes into filling our backpacks a d bag of non-perishable items. We set a goal of 200 of each. I may be overzealous but I(we) are bound and determined to meet and possibly exceed our goal.
Let's show up for these Veterans and get them some of what we consider basic necessities.

We have an updated list for items needed for our annual backpack drive.
"Macs Packs Random Acts of Kindness " 2023
We will be purchasing our own backpacks, but if you have some laying around,we will gladly accept them.
Each backpack will contain the following items:
1 Backpack
1 blanket/throw
1 Solar blanket (if we can get them in bulk)
1 Hoodie/Sweatshirt or light jacket
2 Shirts
2 pair of socks
1 pair of leggings
1 pair of gloves
1 Knit hat
1 Bible
1 Journal/pad
1 American Flag
1 Hygiene Kit either a male/female kit
1 $10.00 gift card for a meal
1 Flashlight
1 Emergency Whistle
2 Hand warmers
2 Foot warmers
1 Card signed by packer with message (optional)
Each backpack is valued between $110-120 .

TOTE*
We will figure out a list for the totes they will be receiving in addition to the backpack.
The totes will be filled with non-perishable items. Each tote is valued at minimum of 20.00

If you would like to donate time, or items for backpacks or make a monetary donation, you may drop off with
Diana Vasquez, located at 9521 Monticello Dr,Pecan Plantation in Granbury or
at Tractor Supply Co. in GlenRose.
Ask for Thomas Johnson, and he will square you away.
All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you, and God Bless!

Also, we will have so.e shirts for sale and copies of my book which I will sign for you!

In the mean time, I'd like to share a poem.from my book. I will share one poem daily until the day of our Fundraiser!

Faking a Smile

YOU ASK HOW I'M DOING
I SMILE AND SAY
I'M HERE AND ALIVE
TO SEE ANOTHER DAY

FAKING A SMILE
IS WHAT I DO BEST
I HIDE THE PAIN
BURRIED DEEP IN MY CHEST

FAKING A SMILE
SO YOU CANNOT SEE
ALL OF MY HURT
AND MY MISERY

BUT ALL THE WHILE
I'M DYING INSIDE
LIVING EACH DAY
WHILE LIVING A LIE

LYING TO MYSELF
AND WANTING TO BELIEVE
THINGS WILL GET BETTER
IS HARD TO CONCEIVE

IN MY MIND
THERE IS NO SALVATION
ALL I CAN SEE
IS MY OWN DAMNATION

I CANNOT BE SAVED
ITS TO LATE FOR ME
MY ONLY OPTION IS
TO MAKE BELIEVE

TO TRY AND PRETEND
SO I CAN FIT IN
HIDING MY TRUTH
UNTIL THE BITTER END

I CANNOT TELL YOU
HOW I REALLY FEEL
MY BEST OPTION IS
COVER AND COCEAL

SO I FAKE A SMILE
TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER
MAKING YOU BELIEVE
THAT I'VE GOT IT TOGETHER

WHEN ALL THE WHILE
ALL I CAN THINK
IF I COULD JUST END IT...
I'M ON THE BRINK

ON THE BRINK
OF DOING SOMETHING FOOLISH
ALL THE WHILE
YOU ALL ARE CLUELESS

BUT HOW CAN YOU HELP
IF I WON'T LET YOU IN
I DO NOT WANT THIS
TO BE THE END

BUT THERE'S TOO MUCH HURT
AND TOO MUCH PAIN
TOO MUCH FOR ME
TO TAKE IT ALL IN

FAKING A SMILE
HIDING MY TEARS
SCREAMING IN SILENCE
SO NO ONE HEARS

MY CRIES OF ANGUISH
AND NO ONE SEES
WHAT HAS BECOME
MY REALITY

I FAKE THE SMILES
I FAKE THE LAUGHTER
I FAKE IT ALL
I AM MASTER

A MASTER OF DECEPTION
WHILE ALL THE WHILE
I'VE MANAGED TO FOOL YOU
BY FAKING A SMILE....

BY DIANA VASQUEZ
SGT US ARMY

This is one of my favorites. I wrote it when I was struggling with my emotions. PTSD had shown up and I was struggling.
By the Grace of God I found my way out, but so many do not.

9 more days until our Fundraiser to assist our homeless Veterans.