I literally just got back from Wal-Mart. Party supplies for tomorrow's game, clothes for work....it was a two-hour affair.
Shortly after I got there, I was walking around enjoying some alone time and looking for bargains when I see a couple of soldiers from the PA National Guard headed to the checkout. I swear, God spoke to my heart and told me what to do.
I noticed in their cart that they had about five cases of bottled water. I hopped in line immediately behind them at the checkout and watched as they grabbed some gum, some beef jerky, and a couple bottles of pop and threw them in the buggy as they waited.
A little side bit of info here. This is the Wal-Mart I have a relative working at, so I am no stranger to most of the cashiers. In fact, I feel a part of their little family. Back to the story....
Right before the cashier finished the sale of the lady in front of our soldiers, I tapped the one soldier on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, but could I just hop in front of you guys? I only have to get one thing," I said.
Looking a bit understandably miffed, he allowed me to go ahead of them.
The cashier was just finishing the previous sale as I took my place at the register. "Leah," I said, "All I need is to pay for what these guys are getting." She looked stunned.
She waved the soldiers over to have their order rung up. "What's going on?" asked the one soldier. I explained that with all the sacrifice they make, paying for their items was the least I could do. They tried to argue with me, but, after giving them those lost-puppy eyes, they agreed to let me pay for the bottled water. Fair enough. The girl in line behind them rolled her eyes when she saw what I had done (She's lucky I didn't blacken them), but by the time this was settled, a small group of people had gathered and sent our heroes off with best wishes.
I walked away after thanking them for everything they do and receiving thanks from them (I really wasn't worthy, but appreciated it). I cried like a baby for the next 15 minutes and didn't care who saw me.
It wasn't a huge gesture on my part when compared to everything these men and women do on a daily basis, but I felt it necessary to thank them in whatever way I could.
Thank you, God, for telling me to do that. I got much more out of the experience than our soldiers did.
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10 comments:
The girl behind them sounds like a braindead Obamabot zombie who probably felt a sense of entitlement and was angry for you not redistributing your wealth to her sorry ass. I hope she reads this. Shame on her for rolling her eyes.
I agree, BB. Some people just have no sense of decorum. And she's one.
Ahhhhh, BOF, I am getting misty eyed just reading about this. You are a real Angel and I know you probably made those Soldier's Year! God Bless you for your kindness and goodness. There will always be haters like that clueless bimbo behind you who rolled her eyes...she's lucky I wasn't there to see that, or they would have been rolling on the floor after I socked her one.
Looks like your weekend is off to a wonderful start. Thanks for sharing your story.
Bunni: It was the very least I could do with everything they do for the rest of us.
I don't think about that hag behind them. I'd rather focus on those heroes. :)
Soloman: I didn't want to spoil the solemnity of the moment by getting into a scrap with someone who probably is too self-centered to care about what these guys do. But trust me...I could've taken her!
Whether they told anyone what happened is irrelevant to me. I just know that I did what was right. That's all that matters to me.
Awww, shucks. That sure was a nice thing to do.
Eric: It was the very least I could do to repay them for their service. They've got more important things to worry about.
BF, That brought tears to my eyes. God Bless you for thanking and honoring the soldiers. The girl behind the soldiers must be a selfish government free-loadr & is an Obamabot also. Have a great Sunday watching the Steelers game.
Hope you enjoy my latest article.
teresa: I plan on doing just that. Having company up for the game then off to work. :-(
I plan on taking tomorrow off from everything, so I hope to catch up on blog reading. :-)
And don't let anyone tell you it didn't mean a lot to them also ... Thank You !
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