For this past week or so I've had a terrible cough, body aches, stuffy head, the works. I haven't taken any sick days, because while I feel under the weather, it isn't enough to not work...
Anyway, today I was feeling extra worn out, and thought about leaving work early. But on my way to an appointment, I stopped for gas, and noticed someone pulling up right next to me. He was reading the lettering on the back of my car-- which says:
My Soldier, My Love, My Hero
Sgt James J. Holtom
Killed in Action
08 February 2007
Land of the Free, Because of My Brave
Anyways, so he rolled down his window and asked "Was that your husband?" So I told him no, that he was my fiancé, and he said that he was a Marine, and asked if Jim was in Iraq or Afghanistan, so I told him Iraq.
All he could say was a very genuine “Thank you”
To which I thanked him… (for thanking me, I suppose…?)
And he just genuinely thanked me again, and left.
I got in my car and thought “How great.” How great that there are still people out there who really do care. I could tell by the way this guy said it that he truly did mean it. I appreciate him making my day more than words can describe.
I didn’t put the lettering on my car to get attention or sympathy from anyone. I don’t need it. I put it there, because I have never been so proud of anyone in my life. I am so proud of Jim, and what he did for our country. While it sucks to have our dreams shattered, I feel so blessed that he loved me. Some girls will never be so lucky.
I never will understand why people thank me. What, for loving Jim? Psh, who wouldn't want to?! He is the one who deserves the thanks. After all, he is the one who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Anyway. It's amazing what a kind word from a stranger can do for you!
My-oh-my, it's a far cry from this lovely experience.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
It's Amazing What A Simple "Thank You" Can Do...
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15 comments:
Thank you, Mel. Thank you for loving Jim, yes, but thank you for the sacrifice you made as well. You loved him, and in him knowing that, he served proudly for all of us. Thank you, Jim, but thank you MEL too. You lost your dreams, you lost your love...still providing us with a wonderful testimony to God's goodness and love, and providing us with a great example of what it means to sacrifice for others in the name of patriotism and love for our great country. May I echo that Marine's genunine THANK YOU.
...hope you're feeling better soon. I'm praying for you!
The fact is, America Cares. I am happy that this person took the effort to say the words. THANK YOU.
One of the guys I graduated from high school with, lost both his legs and one arm when he was over in Iraq a few years ago. At our class reunion, I got to talking to him, and just started to cry. I said "Thank you" and he said, "For what."
Thank you for risking your life and loosing all but 1 arm, so I can live in this amazing country and be FREE!
Not sure if you have ever read this, but this was read by an officer at my brother's funeral in 2000.
"The Final Inspection"
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders,
And said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often tried,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
It is amazing what a kind word can do! That is a great story! (I read the other one and...not so much. That's just mean)
It makes me happy that there are people like that somewhere in the world!
My husband and I live in Arizona. Right after we first got married, he was working at a Walgreens in Chandler. He's a huge sports freak, and sure enough Pat Tillman walked in - he was a huge football star on the AZ Cardinals, but Brian (my husband) new that he had recently joined the army, left the team, and was on his way to Afghanistan.
Brian looked at him from across the desk and shook his hand firmly, saying "thank you." Shortly after that, Pat was killed. Wow, what a sacrifice! My husband was honored to shake his hand before he left to lay down his life for his country.
Thanks for sharing your story,
Danielle
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 03/06/2008 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.
I remember when I first read that nasty reaction you got from that jerk. I didn't comment but I was enraged! How dare someone?!?
I'm so glad this man had kind words for you, sweetie =)
I think people thank you b/c they can't thank Jim... and you're the closest thing to him (well, you or his parents).
Kind words really do make the difference, don't they? Have a good day!
Awww, I want to hug that man! It brought tears to me eyes. That was really sweet of him. I like kind people :)
Sweet Mel,
Great Post! It's a great feeling to be a part of that crowd. Your right, we didnt arrive on our own merits, Jim brought us there and I'm proud and glad to be a part. They make you feel welcome too, dont they.
Regarding that other guy...
I didnt know someone had done that to you. I know two dad's that probably would like to know a license plate number if that happens again. That guy needs to meet Jesus - one way or the other, either way is fine. (Have you ever seen the movie "Man on Fire"?)
Love you guys - I look forward to being a guest in your new home ;)
Mr H
Hey Mel,
That's awesome that he said that...good for him....and yeah, it is weird to say be said THANKS to by veterans, cuz you're right, we didn't do anything, but love amazing men (we're definately so lucky! It is worth having to live with the pain for our lives, to be able to cherish the memories and love that we had)... I always turn and look at them, much like you, and say "No, THANK YOU"... It almost becomes comical, because in each way, we value the other.
The only explaination I can come up with that makes sense when people say THANKS to us, is that like others,1) we are the only ones they can physically thank 2) they know the guys are happy in Heaven and that we are destined to live without them til we join them (there is a country song called "God Only Cries"...where it says "God only Cries for the living, for it is those that must carry on"...or something like that) , and finally 3)I had a Marine tell me once, that it was their sacred honor serve the families of those that fell...
Just a few things I've been told, because like you, I'm VERY uncomfortable when people say "THANK YOU" to me...I alway want to tell them that it's ok, if they just tell him, he'll know... but I think people like Jim and others that have fallen (so I didn't have the honor of knowing Jim, but I know several others, so I'm assuming here), wouldn't understand being thanked either, they would simply say they were doing their job, and serving their country, and they no more chose to fall than any other of their brothers on the field, it's just what happened.
And much like you, I have my car decorated, and it's not for sympathy or any other odd reason---other than yeah, I just want people to know that the people that fall--they are PEOPLE--with loved ones, with lives, with dreams...and for them, for one moment, when they see the car, to realize that we are at war, and that good men and women are sacrificing, and to put a "face" to the war, since it can seem so distant via the media, etc...
OK, so I rambled long enough on your blog...but anyway, Kudos to the Marine veteran that thanked you...and to all veterans, Mel has already made it clear here, but THANK YOU for your service...we're so thankful for each of you and your families!
~Rachael
Oh, and Mel, one last thought...
Anyone ever a jerk to you about it ever again, like the one guy who made those comments to you....make sure you get their info...I know a lot of girls that can do a lot of damage with high heels ("whoops, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to stomp your foot"--laughing innocently)... and if all less fails, I have a mean right hook! And you have your Buzz Lightyear gun!!!
And we can always have the guys on standby, if we need them, but I think we could handle anyone that would be like that, cuz they're obviously a wimp!
Mel, WHAT a lovely post!
I'd add my thanks from another perspective as well....thank you for loving him enough to share who he was...with so many of us. Through your eyes - we've gotten to know such a fine man.
I just recently started reading your blog and this really was a great post.I totally teared up. Even though it is a little late, I am so sorry for your loss.
Thankyou so much for his service. I know how you feel, my brother-in0law is currently over there right now. Lauren
I'm a bit late commenting on this, but I just wanted to say something. I wanted to thank you as well. Although Sgt. Holtom may have given his life, you are the one left behind to deal with that. I know a lot of people who wouldn't be strong enough to stand that, and I know a handful that have lost family in service to their country that have turned their grief into hatred for the military, our country, our government, and our president. So, I think I feel the same way as many thousands of proud Americans that owe their lives to the those who served, serve, and will serve..including the family and friends of those men and women. Thank you. I owe my life to people like you.
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