Have you ever stopped to think about the cost of our freedom? Did you know that your grandfather and great-grandfather fought for you in their younger years? Did you know that the only ones that actually know the price are the ones we don't think to much about anymore?
Have you ever seen an old man on the street, his scars so deep they are hardly seen, but they are there - still fresh even today? Have you walked by a man wearing a cap that stated they had served and said nothing to them in thanks? Have you ever walked by an elderly man or woman who sat in a wheelchair and listened to their tales of times long gone?
Have you ever sat and listened to your grandfather, or great grandfather's, tales of factual history from their own childhoods?
Have you seen the scars? Have you heard the silent prayers? Have you listened to a broken heart such as these?
I have. I have heard stories from many veterans and several current soldiers' tales of the wars they are or have been, going through.
There is a gentleman, elderly and sweet. He has four children. Such a blessing to a man who has seen such despair as war brings.... but sadly. They do not come to see him. They don't call. He hasn't even met his grandchildren or his great grandchildren.
His wife is passed on, so he is left alone.
So many elderly veterans are left alone in the world - no one to comfort their broken spirits. Yet they seek comfort from strangers, but are mostly shoved off as if they were nothing more than a badgering old fool... This gentleman who entered my work, comes in every day... not to buy or sell, but just for companionship.
His family left him alone, so he has come seeking comfort.
This gentleman lived and fought in the Korean War. He was there from 1953-1959. Him and his brothers served, along with his cousins. Now, years later, he is alone in the world.
So when he comes in, he brightens everyone's day. He talks about everything and anything. He's sweet and kind, such a caring spirit I have only encountered in Veterans who have seen dark times. I speak with him when he enters, continue doing my work - while listening. He is a regular customer, companion, at my work...
So before you toss aside those sad broken spirits, stop and think for a moment... because that man or woman, at a point in their lives, they were willing to lay their lives on the line for you and their country, their home and families. They have wisdom that so few ever find. True history lives in them, they are walking talking history books. Each with his or her own piece of it.
Slow down one day, if you see a passing veteran, thank them. Show them how much you care by standing there listening to their story - even if it takes hours!
Another time I was working in Walmart, a Veteran who fought in WW2 was peddling through the store in the Garden Dept. I tapped him gently on the shoulder, his wife was there with him also, I took his hand gently and thanked him. That's all I said before I walked away to go about my business.
A little while later I was running a register at the front end and they were in my line, in fact, they had personally sought me out. When they came to my register the man's eyes looked as if he'd been crying. I asked if he was ok, then he smiled and his wife nodded. As I finished checking them out, his wife came to my side and told me something that surprised me.
She told me that no one since he had returned from Europe in 1945 ever stopped to thank him for his service. She also told me that he had won the purple heart for bravery beyond the call, and several other personal awards during his services in WW2. But what stunned me was that when she finished telling me all this her husband took my hand and smiled with no teeth, such a sweet and genuine smile I'll never see until I see Jesus' face, and he thanked ME! He gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and told me thank you... I never saw him again... His wife came to the store the last time I was there and I found out that he had passed shortly after our first meeting.
So you see, you don't know what broken spirit you will make joyful and whole once again! His wife said that he had passed on in his sleep, but that he had never forgotten that I thanked him. She and I wept and prayed together, after that... I never saw her again.
A simple thank you is a big gift to those who have done so much. Especially nowadays..
Today we have protesters rioting outside washington DC against the war(s) just as they did in the sixties and seventies! They curse the soldiers that are just doing their duty, they shun the veterans just because they support the Armed forces! They protest because they have the right too, but then... who gave them their right to protest? Was it not the first war American's fought that founded this nation? Were not lives lost, but much more gained through that struggle?
So this fourth of July, say THANK YOU to a veteran and Current soldier. Believe me, it will brighten their day and make it a day they will remember!
