I was in the supermarket today and they were quite busy. Near the end of my trek, a man passed by me and I noticed his hat. It read, "Iraq Dessert Storm Veteran." I let him pass without a word because I know most Veteran's do not want recognition from pedestrians like myself.
His walk listed to the starboard side while his carriage propped his body. I knew his lumbering walk was intended to disguise an injury, so I approached him.
I approached him from bow and requested, "Excuse me, sir, might I have a word?"
He did not look at me, but he stopped.
I said, "Thank you for protecting magnificent idiots like me. Idiots, just like me."
He tilted his head in my direction, stood up tall, and shook my hand without making eye contact. I noticed a half-a-grin as he did so and he walked away fully upright. This was a real man. A hero. A volunteer. An American who simply wanted to protect his compatriots.
I stood right there for at least five minutes. I had not earned the right to walk alongside him. The people behind me were irritated, but, I was indifferent about the observers. When the time came where I could not see him any longer, I proceeded to travel to the register.
Every man wants to do something great, something noble, something selfless, even if only for a moment. This man did this when he signed on the dotted.
I left the checkout line and put back the sack of Kit Kat bars I had selfishly tossed into my cart. By no means does this make us equals, but I felt compelled to do something, anything, any sacrifice at that moment. I’m not that bright...
