Those two magic words, Thank You
I was reading an article on CNN.com about the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon when I remembered something that happened to me on Friday night.
I was in the Wendy’s in Marshfield with my daughter on our “date night.” She was trying to get through her hamburger so she could have her Frosty and I was gobbling the sour cream on my baked potato. I looked up and saw an older gentleman at the condiment counter, and the whole evening changed for me. The gentleman was wearing a retired Marine hat and t-shirt and was leaning on a cane. He started walking back to his table, so I got up and followed him. When he reached his table, where his wife and young daughter were waiting for him, he turned around and looked at me. I held my hand out to shake his and said, “I don’t mean to disturb your meal, but I wanted to take a moment to say thank you.” He took my hand, looked me deeply in the eyes and said, “You’re welcome.” With that, I walked away.
I went to the counter to get my daughter’s Frosty, and he followed me. When he got to the counter, he turned to me and said, “Ma’am, that young man working the drive-thru is also a Marine.” I waited a moment until the young man came near me and said, “Excuse me, but I just thanked that gentleman for his service, and he told me you’re a Marine, too. I just wanted to say thank you.” That young man also looked me deeply in the eyes and said, “You’re welcome, and thank you for recognizing our service.”
As I walked back to my table with tears in my eyes, I passed the older gentleman’s wife who mouthed the words “thank you” to me. I stopped to tell her that I always thank service people when I see them, but I can’t do it without tearing up. You see, I have a little girl, and I understand that our men and women are serving our country for her future. A future where she can be free to reach whatever goals she sets for herself. With that, I got all choked up and couldn’t speak, so I waved goodbye and walked back to my table. My daughter saw the tears in my eyes and asked why I was crying. I told her “because I love you.”
We finished our meal by sharing her Frosty. As we left the restaurant I made eye contact with the retired Marine. There was such gratitude in his face – gratitude for a complete stranger who took a moment to thank him for doing his job.
Now I’d like to challenge everyone reading this. Please, no matter how silly or embarrassed you feel, say “thank you” to each and every service person you meet in your daily travels. Even if you don’t support the war in the Middle East, please support the people who are giving their lives to fight for us. A simple little “thank you” can make all the difference.
Dino Corvino said:
Its funny, I oppose the war. More, I really oppose how it all came about.
But, I have never resented the troops. I have been critical of the actions of some of the dudes over there acting wild, but at the same time, I think that walking up and saying thank you is the height of civility in an time of great turmoil in this country.
Good for you T-Money. You are being a great mom.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:28 am #
cupcake said:
We were in an airport recently returning from a trip, and my husband always point out soldiers, wants to give them a few bucks, which I tell him is not appropriate. But in a restaurant, he secretly picked up the tab for 3 young soldiers at a table near us. He makes me very proud.
I have a son being deployed soon, so I have mixed emotions.
But being raised by in the Air Force, I know what sacrifices all troops - and their families - make. How wonderful that you always make a point to thank them.
September 13th, 2008 at 8:55 am #
Dino Corvino said:
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October 1st, 2008 at 2:37 pm #