Thank You For Your Service, Sir

This weekend, Royce and I drove to FL for our annual family reunion. It was around noon on Friday when we stopped to eat before helping with the set up for Saturday's festivities. One of our favorite places to eat in Webster is at the Farmer's Market Cafe where they serve home cooked food. They have the best fried chicken and fresh peas and beans ... and banana puddin'!

Royce and I were waiting in the rockers on the front porch enjoying the crisp, sunny FL air with an old friend when an elderly couple came up. The man walked slowly with two canes while she followed with one cane. They were typical of older people who have learned to manage as their bodies begin to slow down but Royce's friend explained what was special about this couple. He was a veteran of World War II and had been injured at Iwa Jima.

He was 17 when he joined the Marines and was sent to Iwa Jima where he had his knee cap blown off and had walked with assistance since.

We said goodbye to our friend and went inside to eat. We were seated right next to the couple and as we listened to their conversation we noticed the gentleness and joy in their countenance and their words. People spoke and smiled and this sweet old man responded with the grace of the elderly.

We wanted to pay their check, but before we could, the waitress came over to their table to say that someone had paid for their lunch. The retired Marine was confused as to why someone would do that.

Over at the register stood this tall, robust cowboy. He wore working jeans, really cool rugged boots, an obviously much used work jacket and a rather large cowboy hat.  He was not a showroom kinda cowboy but an honest-to-goodness hard working guy, probably 6'4" and obviously very strong and capable. The type guy you want on your team.  He turned around from the cash register and walked to the couple, tipped his hat to the Marine, then in a deep Sam Elliott type voice softened with respect, he said:

"Thank you for your service to our country, Sir."

Yep, Royce and I are tearing up. Then to the wife he tips his hat again, takes her hand and says in a gently resounding voice, "thank you m'am." As he walked away he laid a hand on the Marine's shoulder and said, "God bless you, Sir."

That was all. No big show or long talk. Nothing showy or loud, just an honest thank you from a young man to an old one.

Tears are now running down our cheeks but there was more. When the waitress came to clear their table the Marine handed her an obviously large tip which she tried to refuse. His reply: "No ma'm. This man has been kind to us and we need to spread it around."  Like his new friend, no big show, just an honest desire to pass on a blessing.

By now I am a mess and my lunch is just sitting on my plate getting cold. We got a chance to talk for a bit with the Marine  and say our thanks. He could not stop thanking us. How amazing that this kind and gentle man in his 80's or 90's, who had given much for all of us had such a thankful heart. No grudges, no animosity, no complaining - only a heart to bless others.

I am certain there are many of all ages with that same attitude, but Friday morning was a reminder to us of the gentleness that once graced our country as a whole. Simple things like respecting our elders; loving our neighbors; showing honor to whom honor is due and loving with grace are all standards that God has placed in the hearts of His children. In Webster, FL, as well as towns big and small all over America, people still hold to those values. It's like an underground army strong in Him, marching to His beat.

It would be nice if I had taken a photo to post with this blog; or even had I asked the Marine's name; but the moment was too intimate to sensationalize it. Instead I have this memory in my heart and I pray that somehow we can all grasp the importance of this simple encounter.

We moved on to setting up tables and chairs and putting out flowers and all the paraphernalia necessary for a family reunion. We were busy with life's routines, but in my heart I had a new friend. I believe that one day I will stand in Heaven and hear his name and I will know this dear man. Thank you Jesus for kindness.

God bless America and all He has placed within our borders. We are blessed beyond words.

^{Galations 5:22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.