Of course I’m gonna be thankful for our veterans today. And of course I’m gonna have a story to go with it.

There was this crotchety old grumpy man that shopped at the store for as long as I can remember. Nothing special to set him apart, other than his strong Northern accent…which I will admit, made me dislike him even more.

As the years passed, instead of getting grouchier like most people do, he began to become warmer towards us, occasionally cracking a smile or tell us to have a nice day. Then he started bringing us cakes & sweets from the Food Lion across the street. A major transformation from such an irritable old man.

A few months after my wedding, I realized I hadn’t seen him in awhile. I asked a coworker that I knew would remember him, & he told me he had passed away back in the spring. I was astounded, & disappointed in myself that it had taken me so long to miss him. I went to the computer & pulled up his obituary. As I read it, I was overwhemed by what a fulfilling life he had lived. I hope that mine will be half as honorable:

…”he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII fighting U-boats from a blimp…he worked for International Harvester as a tool & die maker…he worked for the Catholic Diocese of Joliet…he was a Volunteer Fireman with a rank of Captain…he was an avid scout master…he was a lifelong member of the NRA…he enjoyed fishing, hunting, & tinkering in his shop where he proved a master of invention & creativity…he volunteered at the food ministry…he was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers & seven sisters…survivors include a brother, seven grandchildren & eleven grandchildren…”

And thats one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. And I didn’t know him at all. Happy Veterans Day Mr. Walt. I’ve been wanting to write a tribute to him for quite some time, he’s been on my mind a lot. Today was a good one for that. And Happy Veterans Day to all my friends who served, I’m glad you made it home safe. Thank you for your service.

11-11-13 9:29pm

I waited on him WEEKLY for YEARS. I guess one of his kids wrote it, it was really enthralling. Also, in lieu of flowers, he wanted donations to be made to the Sevier County Food Ministries or the local humane society. I thought he hated pets.

I thought he hated everything. 

I was so wrong. 

Veterans Day: the 11th day of thankfulness. I am thankful to those currently enlisted, those who served, all their families, & those who wanted to serve & couldn’t. We are in your debt. I think of this often: several years ago (probably around 10) my mom, grandmother, & I were all sitting on the porch breaking beans. Mom was saying she had heard on the news there was a shortage of soldiers & they were talking about what would have to happen if more people didn’t start joining the military soon. Evidently the word draft had come up. So mom spouts off that I had better hurry up & have a kid or I could be drafted. Grandmother & I both stopped to stare at her like she had lobsters crawling out of her ears. “Jody, do you not know your daughter at ALL? I’m sure she would much rather go fight in war than raise a baby!” I sure would! The thought of a child STILL terrifies me. Not that war doesn’t, mind you. But thankful to those men & women who step out every day, forsaking everyone & everything familiar & loved to fight for our country. Our freedom. Our HOME. Thank you.

“Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you. Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, The other died for your freedom.”

11-11-12 12:03