I looked back to see what I had written last year in recognition of Veteran's Day---and discovered I had forgotten about my encounter with this man. I think I can safely assume that if I had forgotten about it, you have too! So, here are continued sincere thanks to Carlin Lake residents who served, and a repeat of a story I told last November.
Of course we can thank veterans at any time, but on Armistice Day/Veterans' Day coming up this Monday, we particularly take time to express our gratitude to those who served.
From our lake community, we express our most sincere thanks to Jim Stocker, Bill Huemann, Danny LaPean, Duanne Swift, Chuck McCall, Martin Coonen, and Richard Straus. (Please let me know if I have forgotten anyone.)
A conversation that you overhear through a curtain in one of those little outpatient compartments is not eavesdropping, is it? As I waited for a cataract procedure on Wednesday, I heard a man tell the nurse that this week marks 50 years since he was deployed to Viet Nam. In the rest of the conversation, I learned that this chatty fellow had Type 2 diabetes, multiple stents in his heart, couldn't hear a thing without his hearing aids, and his marriage had broken up when he was overseas.
This soldier's straightforward description of his health problems reminded me, of course, of the sacrifices of our friends who also served. Maybe their sacrifices may not have been so physical, but long times of their lives were sacrificed to their service.
John and I had the opportunity to thank this man as well as his driver, who was also wearing the cap and jacket of a veteran. It was a good reminder to also thank those closer to home who served on our behalf.
Thank you, Friends!