I was talking with my wife a few days ago, and she said something that touched me deeply concerning when we say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ to a veteran. I did my best to capture that here. We are not celebrating Veterans Day next week; we are honoring the fallen. Still, if you ask a veteran, I am certain they can recall many lost friends from that time. I want to make sure I honor that sacrifice for our liberties.
“May I pick that up for you, sir?” A young man stood near Emmit’s gray sedan. He smiled as he asked the question.
Emmit looked up and returned the smile. “I would appreciate that, young man. Could you just put them in my trunk and close it after you finish? What was your name?”
“It’s Wyat and thank you for your service.” The young man lifted the two bags with ease and closed the trunk
Emmit smiled and nodded as he looked down at the ground.
“My grandfather was a Marine in Vietnam, too.”
“He was? Where was he stationed?”
“I think it was a place called Khe Sahn. He didn’t talk about it much.”
“I was there too, and I can tell you, I know why. I was in the first group on the ground in 1966. Is he still with us?”
The young man considered his words. “Gramps? No, he passed a few years ago from cancer. Like everything else in his life, he fought until the very end.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but he sounded like a great man.”
“He was the best. He taught both of my brothers how to drive stick-shift, and he taught all of us how to ride motorcycles. It was so tough to watch him wither away like that. You know?”
Emmit slowly nodded. “I’m glad you got the time to know him. I’m sure he was very proud of all of you.”
Wyat’s smile faded. “He often said he was, and my mom had great stories of him when she was growing up. Just seeing you reminded me of him. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you.”
“Bother me? Are you kidding? It was an honor to get to talk to you… Wyat?”
“Yes, sir. Wyat.”
“Most people don’t talk to old folks like me anymore, let alone help me with my groceries. You have blessed me today, son.”
“I’m glad. Do you have family around here?”
“Me? Umm… yes, I have four amazing children, and all but one live in this area. I have eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.”
“Wow! That’s a lot of mouths to feed.”
Emmit chuckled. “Yes, it is. Well, I am about to move in with my oldest son. They have a mother-in-law suite that he is preparing for me. My wife passed two years ago, and I just need a little more help these days. It’s about time. You know?”
Wyat nodded. “Gramps lived with us for about four years after Memaw died. I think I was the most excited to have him there.”
“Was it hard for your family?”
Wyat paused before answering. “Well, not until the last few months. It was harder on our hearts. You know? I once asked Gramps if it was hard for him to live there. He told me it was, but how much harder it was coming home after the war. He lost a lot of friends over there and said it was like his wife and parents were the only ones thankful to see him when he returned.”
Emmit understood completely. “I get that for sure. I had kind of the same thing happen to me. Well, do you have any advice for an old man on how to be a good guest in their house?”
Wyat considered the question before answering. “Smile.”
Emmit cocked his head and chuckled. “What?”
“Yeah. You are not the burden you think you are. You are wanted there, and I’m sure your children are happy to do it. Smile because you are loved, and that love affords you a place in their house. If it is like our family, they are happy to repay you something for all of your sacrifices. It is not an exchange, but my mom often said she was happy to give back to someone who had given her so much.”
Emmit was stunned that such wisdom could come from such a young man. “Wyat, thank you. That is wonderful advice.”
Wyat’s cheeks grew flush. “I hope it helps. I have to go in now, but again, thank you for your service.”
Emmit grinned, “You’re welcome, son, and Wyat?”
“Yes, sir?”
“You were worth it.”
Emmit turned and slowly got into his car as the young man let those words sink in. The young man turned and started walking into the store. Emmit honked and waved as he slowly passed by,
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