As our beloved country is divided more and more every day, I thought I would show some strangers how much their commitment to my freedom means to me. I have been planning my journey for a few weeks now, after reading some stories and ideas of other people's "Thanks" journeys.
The weather couldn't be better as I climbed in my Marine boyfriend’s gas guzzling, noise polluting truck donning the Dept. of Defense Camp Pendleton sticker on his windshield. I drove away on a mission to Walmart of all places. As I walked up to the entrance, standing in the strong morning sun, stood two “life experienced” gentlemen. I knew immediately who they were. One man stood tall and proud, his VFW Post cap on high on his head. The other man, hunched over his walker, smiled caringly at me with a pack of plastic poppies in his hand. They were the reason I was here today, at Walmart, on a mission to get my favorite cookies. They were the reason I could enjoy this fine summer morning. Yet, here I was, without a coin in my pocket to share with them. Not long ago were the days where a dime was a weekly income for a starving family. These men fought so I could carry a piece of plastic, not dimes, in the pocket of my designer jeans. I felt unworthy, but they smiled back with love.
Quickly, I located the only cookies I felt worthy enough to offer strangers who willingly signed their freedom away, in hopes that I may retain my comfortable way of life. Freedom in trade for some cookies? That’s the best I can do? What an embarrassment! I felt ashamed, but I continued on. I was worried they would think I was drugging them, or meant harm. With so many anti-war, anti-military people in America today, I wanted them to know I was there to support them. I wanted them to know that their commitment does not go unnoticed.
On the way out the door, I grabbed a couple cold bottles of water for the kind gentlemen outside. The humble, surprised smiles on their faces were infectious. The hunched over old man gave me a poppy. It felt so good to know, at the very least, I could make these selfless and kind souls smile. How could something so small and simple make such a huge difference in our day? Why hasn’t someone mentioned this before? Because these men and women go unnoticed every day.
ok I have to go make dinner for the man... finish later.
