Veteran’s Day Tribute

Posted by Marlene in Marlene's Feel Good Blog | 0 comments

Here’s Something New To Feel Good About Today!

What does Veteran’s Day mean to you? Stop today to consider where you would be without those brave men and women who defend your right to be free.

My dad served in World War 2 and other than him I had no direct connection to the military. Honestly, I took for granted all those enlisted men and women past and present who uphold our precious freedom. That was until I met my friend Rob.

Rob served in Vietnam, he’s about 67 now. He lives on the street, close to where I work in a prosperous area of CA. He has chosen to live outside; claiming that life in a shelter is not for him. He gets around just fine in a wheel chair. He will never walk again; his legs are permanently bent so he can only be in a seated position. At night he tips himself over and sleeps under an Oleander tree in the nearby park.

I’ve never met anyone like Rob. Many people think he is a crazy homeless man; they walk past him without ever acknowledging his presence. I see beyond all that, he was once an engineer and a vet. Although he can no longer stand up he still stands for the best in all of us. Rob always welcomes me with his toothless smile. He tears newspaper clippings from the local paper for me and tells me I am beautiful. No matter how he looks on the outside, to me he is an amazing human being.

In light of all that I’ve learned from Rob, I’ve made a shift in my thinking from entitlement to gratitude. THANK YOU, to all those who serve and to the wives, husbands and children who sacrifice so much to support them. Join me in celebrating all veterans in whatever way you can. Share your genuine smile or say “thank you” when you pass someone associated with the military on the street. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, and they certainly deserve to hear our praise.

I’m sure whatever each of us says or does to acknowledge our veterans will be much appreciated! They need our help, most of all they need our loving care. Rob tells me that every day when I see him.

Here’s an inspiring video of untrained, non-singer soldiers’ wives. Each of them found the courage and confidence to sing their hearts out. It was performed specifically for Remembrance Day. They may not be the ‘best’ choir in the world, but they are certainly one of the most moving I’ve ever heard.

Find Something New To Feel Good About Everyday!

news-gazette.com