*A Good Cry*
Sometimes crying can be for a good reason.
Take, for example, last night.
Ranger calls me and asks how I’m doing.
My reply — “Well… currently I’m blubbering like a baby.” *sob* *hiccup* *snuffle**sniffle*
“Babe?? What’s wrong?” the concern evident in his voice.
So I tell him this story +++++++++++++++++
Last night I stopped at the “Atlanta Bread Company” for a hot drink and some free Internet.
(budget cutbacks caused me to cancel my home Internet…sigh…)
As I was tapping away on my laptop, busy with projects and what not, I noticed an “Army Guy” walk in.
I was up and out of my chair, wallet in hand, before I could even think about it and standing behind him as he ordered.
When the sales clerk told him the total he started to pull out his wallet and I laid my hand on his arm and said very quietly – “Your money is no good here.” and proceeded to pay for his dinner.
He tried to protest.
I told him it was the LEAST I could do.
He tried to say it was too much because it was dinner for his family.
I told him that was okay because THEY were just as much a part of this.
Eventually, he shook my hand and simply said “Thank you”.
By this time, the tears were streaming down my face.
“No…THANK YOU!!” I said emphatically.
I packed up my stuff and got out of there before I completely lost it.
(**sniff** heck…I’m crying right now, just trying to relay this story!)
I don’t know if he was an officer or an enlisted man.
I just know that his last name was “Cooper” and he had two little girls (who liked turkey and cheese with nothing else!) and a wife, waiting for him at home.
I know that “Cooper” serves so that people like you and I can have the freedom to sit in the Atlanta Bread Company and surf the free Internet while drinking a mocha latte.
I know that “Cooper’s” wife and two little girls watch him walk out the door, each and every day, not knowing if he’s going to be sent to war, perhaps to never come home again.
$19.77 —- that’s certainly not the cost of freedom.
But it’s what I paid for a few sandwiches and salads for a man who risks his life so that I can live free.
And it’s NOT NEARLY ENOUGH.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ranger was silent for a moment and then finally said to me “Babe, I’m **SO** proud of you. This is a good cry.”
I won’t be posting anything else until after the 4th of July weekend so I wish you all a very happy celebration of our Independence.
Damn it. Now I’m crying.
You’re a good woman, darlin’. A very good woman. xoxox
Hey. Don’t forget, you did your duty too and should be proud of it. It was awesome that you did that. Jim has that happen very rarely. So many people are angry about the war (me included, I will admit) that they forget the people who are in it, either at home or over there, are real people, doing a job to get a paycheck, usually to support a family. Go you. Have a safe weekend.
What a wonderful thing to do.
There should be more people like you on the face of this earth.
peace
#2
You are a very kind person and I’m sure he appreciated the gesture more than you will ever know. Good for you! Happy 4th of July.
I let my hubby read this he is retired Air Force, he smiled and then saluted you lol. Your act of thoughtfulness was appreciated by more than that “army guy” and his family
Happy 4th Ms. Piddy Paws
Oh, you made me tear up. Good for you Ms. Pink – you’re a good girl! Happy, happy 4th!
You are an incredible woman! Thank you so much for what you did!
That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. You are awesome.
One of my proudest moments was finding out that we shared this patriotic soul. I am not only proud of you for this….I owe you great hugs. You are my hero! ~~Dee
Wow I am in complete awe of you. What an amazing thing to do. Happy 4th!
I wish so many people were not shocked by this. .
Thank You.
That story made me cry. You are awesome and so is that story !! Thank you for caring so much. =)
my grandfather, father and ex husband have/are serving in the Canadian Military. I have great respect for what they do. nice to see you having so much feeling for those who fight. i comment you.
What a nice person you are !!
#1
where are the tissues when you need them!
you’re awesome and yes so many people should not be shocked by this
from one AF girl to another …. good on ya!!
So wait……I have to be me for a second. How hot was Cooper and you think I could you know….buy him dinner too?
Thank you everyone. It was a proud moment for me, despite the fact that I was blubbering. I’m more patriotic than I ever realized… weird, huh?
Amazing. You rock my socks.
(Im still here- just slacking on my comments)
The Lieutenant Colonel I know says you rock. Hugs.
You rock! That was such a great thing to do!
They are the reason we are free. And we should all support them.
I had a similar encounter with a vet in the bookstore.
You can never thank them enough.