My husband and I were staying at a motel on vacation. As I was checking out the offerings at the welcome buffet, a young man in army fatigues joined the line. “You first,” I said. When he politely declined, I looked over at the table where his wife and two small children were sitting. “Please go ahead,” I insisted. “Your family is waiting for you.”
While we were filling our plates, the young man and I got to chatting. We talked about his home state, his family and his travels. He was heading to Afghanistan. I told him that my husband was an Air Force veteran from way back and that I understood how serving in the military means being away from family.
“Would you accept a hug from a grandmother who appreciates your service?” I asked him before we went to our tables. He smiled and told me he could use one.
Since then, I’ve made sure to offer a pat on the back, a hug or even a simple “thank you” to servicemen and women I encounter. Even when war isn’t in the headlines, they’re serving to keep us safe. Let’s not forget the job they do or the sacrifices they make.
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