MISTER C

I had a post for today but then realized it was Veterans Day and the post I had in mind would really have been inappropriate for the day. So I am switching in midstream here for I really do want to honor those who have done what I am pretty sure I could never do—offer my life for the sake of our country.

Every person who signs up for military service does just that. Some fortunately never see battle but the threat is always there. Some serve in peace time--yes that actually exists--often because of the very presence of our forces. Others are in non-combat support roles but they all have offered their lives just as willingly when they take the oath.

Those who sacrifice their young lives for us need our remembrance and honor. However, there is another group that needs it just as much. The ones who did not lose their lives but lost parts of their bodies, suffered damaged minds and for some, forever having to carry in their hearts what they have seen and done. The families of those lost or maimed should definitely be honored. They have made equal and long lasting sacrifices. The dreams for their families have been ripped from them and tossed aside.

War is an evil thing and you would think that after all this time, we could think of a better way to solve conflicts and desires for power. We have not evolved far from the caveman's club. So we continue to offer our best as sacrifices to a cause decided by a few. I long for the day when only “the few” are shoved into a pit to duke it out.

But this is about veterans and I would like to tell about one special veteran I have met. When I moved to Arkansas, I knew no one, but that has never frightened me for I know that friends are just strangers waiting to be met.

I was delighted with my neighbors and in particular, a middle aged man who took an interest in me. Our usual interaction is for him to stop if he sees me outside and for us to chat over my fence. Sometimes his wife is with him and she is also a delight, but it is mostly C.

He is a curious sort and wanted to learn about the new mystery lady on the corner and in turn, I learned a lot about him. C is a veteran of both the Army and Navy, claiming to have been in Special Forces and Navy Seals. I have seen pictures of him as a young man in both uniforms.

He was unfortunately in a horrific helicopter crash during his last tour. C is largely held together with pins, screws and porcelain. He spends a lot of time at the VA hospital getting his parts readjusted. What makes C so unique is what he has done with his life since the crash.

C said when he came to in the hospital, he made a bargain with God. He promised God that if he could just live, he would do one good deed every day for the rest of his life. A lot of us do that when in fear for our lives and often forget our promises to God with the same speed as our New Years resolutions. C did not forget.

He is unable to work at a job, but with the energy he has, every day he does for others. He helps returning vets with all the papers they must go through to receive help. He drives seniors to doctor appointments or to hospitals for treatment.

He is a pretty good cook and he is always baking cookies to take to various offices around town. Often he just checks in on little old ladies like myself. He never comes with out a small present. Where ever he goes, he brings cheer and small gifts.

When I had to have my last cancer surgery, it was C who drove me to the hospital in a distant town and waited to bring me home. I once mentioned how I love the Blues music. He saw a tape of Robert Johnson at a yard sale and got it for me. Often small gifts are just hung on my gate with a note from him and his wife.

So while I will honor all the veterans today, the young who will never be old, the damaged who will have a challenged life, and the families who have an aching hole in their fabric, I also salute the men like C who are a blessing to their communities. He is not alone, there are many like him who do volunteer work every day. My hat is off to that special group of veterans.