Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day

Today, while going about my responsibilities around town, I had opportunity to observe an elderly man who was obviously the keeper of his home. After a few concerned glances in his direction, my eyes were drawn to his baseball cap. It was a little bit dented and sitting high on the crown of his head. As my heart lurched to my throat, I felt myself stepping toward him and saying, "Sir, I see that your hat says Veteran World War II. Proud to have served. I just want to say thank you for the freedoms you fought for all those years ago, that I am enjoying today!" His eyes glimmered, and just as though no time had passed, he began to tell me stories of the 39 months of his service to our nation, back in the 1940's.
He continued, "Well, I wore this hat today because I couldn't go down to the thing (I think he may have meant parade). My wife has dialysis 3 times a week and I'm her rock. Well, I do it all I guess, and I couldn't go." I said, "Life is hard sometimes isn't it?" He replied, "Yes yes it is, but I appreciate you saying thank you."

My heart twisted within me. He fought for MY freedom. Your freedom. He's walked a long journey and the burden of life is bending him. All I could do was say thank you. It seemed so inadequate.

I continued with my day. My path crossed with another soldier in uniform. My oh my, he looked like a kid. He had a cheery girl with him. He stood straight and tall above me, imposingly. Once again, I said, "Thank you sir for your service on behalf of our country." He replied, "Well thank you ma'am."

Veteran's Day.
To honor all who have served.
Land that I love!
Rachel

6 comments:

Victoria Lynn said...

Rachel,
Good for you for thanking those who served our country...where would we be without them?! A good reminder - I'll have to remember to thank more service men when I see them! Thanks for posting this today!
Blessings,
Victoria Lynn

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Beautiful post, Rachel.

Thank YOU for saying thank you. I can't believe people forget this day to honor Veterans. You're a jewel.
xo~Tracie

Rue said...

Hi Rachel :)

That story gave me chills.... the world needs more people like you.

Thank you for the birthday wishes ;)

hugs,
rue

Anonymous said...

Dear Rachel,
Thank you for taking the time to say, Thank You, to those who have and are serving to keep our Country free. As one having a son and grandson presently serving, I too take time to say thanks when I am out and about and have a chance to see someone who is serving. Our thanks can't be big enough for all they give.
I love you, Donnie

Glenda said...

To bad you couldn't bring the parade to him.

So kind of you to say thank you to him. I am sure that meant more than he could express with just a thank you.

Ciao

Anonymous said...

Dear Rachel,

I know what you said to that man surely must have cheered his day! You gave him his own personal celebration! That was very kind of you!

I'm proud of you!

Love, Esther