Fast Food Lunches

 

I saw him at a class. He was out of place, he looked like he didn’t want to be there, but he also looked interested… he had kind eyes, and he had a sad smile that made you want to know more.

After class I asked if I could take him to get a meal – anyplace he chose. He said why Yes, I do believe that would be nice… and he chose a fast food restaurant. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when someone offers a meal – I think steak house. Off we went to the fast food restaurant. We happened to be in a city full of Military Members, and as we walked in this Veteran saluted each and every active duty soldier there. He said it made him feel important, as if maybe his service in Vietnam counted for something, as if saying hi, and welcoming these soldiers he could ease their concerns a little.

And, of course, he invited them to eat with us, after all I was buying.

As he sat among these young Soldiers, you could see his eyes light up when they told their stories,  you could see that he knew their experiences that they were sharing, You could see, he felt a part of them, as if he hadn’t been tossed back into society – and left to just grow older. Alone.

When these young soldiers asked him to tell a story about his experience in Vietnam, Oh did his wheels start turning. Which story to tell? What would be the best one to convey he was one of them? And when he told his story, you could see their eyes light up, their nods of understanding, their acceptance, that yes – he was a Solider, and a good one, and he knew…. He knew what it was like for them.

It was a great meal, if not a little more than the cost of a good steak, but all around I was privileged to be a part of it. I was privileged to see a man, who thought he’d been left behind, come out to the forefront.

As I returned him home, he asked if maybe we could share a meal again soon.. and I knew it really meant, could you please not forget me. Remember that I am still important, and that we are still relevant in our throwaway society.

What a privilege it was to meet him for lunch every week –To watch him work his magic on those current Soldiers. To watch his eyes light up as they recognized one of their own. It was a magical.