It started with an ad for Farm Implements. We needed some,
the ad said they had some – and so we made an appointment to go check them out.
The original owner didn’t happen to be there, but he had a neighbor let us in
to see them.
You see, when you have a tractor, you start to think that
you are a farmer, or maybe a cowboy, and then you start to think of all the fun
things you can do with the extra attachments. And when you are the wife, you
really start to think of all the things the husband can do…. You know – plow
the garden, mow the fence-lines, rake the arena, dig some postholes…..
The gentleman who was showing us the tools started talking,
and I started asking more questions about him. It was really fun to hear his
stories. And then he said – I am a Vietnam Vet. That just perked my ears right
up. So we started talking about Vietnam (the country), and Vietnam (the war).
He told us how things had changed for him. What is was like to leave America at
that time, and what it was like to come back to America at that time. He didn’t
have a lot of anger in him, but you could still hear the hurt and the surprise
that our own would treat him not so kindly.
After all – he was drafted by the country he loved, and he
served the country he loved.
As we went home to deliberate the purchase of some of these
implements, I had a nagging feeling that he would be willing to accept a Quilt
from us – a Quilt of Valor, a special hug that lets one know that they are
appreciated, that we do recognize your service – and even better – says Welcome
Home Son, Job Well Done.
I was in the middle of finishing up a Quilt, so I put the
binding on it, washed it, labeled it and of course, made a pillowcase for it.
Quilts in Pillowcases always make me happy. It’s like a little gift all wrapped
up in some really cool fabric!
As we drove back the next day to get the items we wanted, he
helped us load, and of course, I got to talking with him. He told me even more
stories, and what a great story teller he was. I then said – Well Sir – I
brought you something. I pulled that Quilt out of its pillowcase and told him
the story of it. And of course, let him know that this particular quilt was for
him. It was my little way of saying Welcome Home.
You know it was only 100 degrees outside, but I’ll be, he
was so ready and willing to have that Quilt wrapped around him – and then he
stood there – and told me another story. All the while he had a little
precipitation coming down from his eyes.
Best Farm Deal I have ever made.
