As I perused my friends Facebook status’s this AM, I was pleased to see a common theme. Nearly everybody was sending thanks to the troops and veterans of our military. It was a heartwarming start an otherwise dreary day. Every Veteran’s Day for many years now I have thought about a particular WW11 vet that made a difference in my life. He is a local guy named Mike. We attended church together and bonded over orthodontists appointments for our children (well his grandchild). Mike may very well be the most interesting man I have ever met. Those that know him know what I mean.
Sitting in the orthodontists office while your child gets rewired is quite boring. For some reason, we parents feel the need to sit in the room with them until they get a certain age. However, I found myself in great company with my pal Mr. Mike. The first time we sat together and began to chat, he said he enjoyed hearing me sing in church. I always feel good when somebody compliments my music. He was sincere and I knew right away we were going to be friends. About 5 minutes later, his cell phone rang. Yes…his cell phone. It surprised me. He was quite “advanced” or ….old. I had not seen a man of his age with a cell phone. Only when he answered it did I notice the digits missing from his hands. Still, he was able to handle the phone with the grace of a teenager. He was talking to his wife. She just wanted to know how long it was going to take. He hung up and we continued to chat. Condensing the story is difficult, but I could write all day about Mr. Mike. He told me stories of serving in the 2nd world war. By now I knew what had happened to his fingers. He spoke of a comradery that is still difficult for me too comprehend. Those that serve understand it.
Mr. Mike served under General Patton. That was exciting to me as I have always been a fan of Patton. After hearing that tid bit, I hung on to his every word. He told me of the “chain” of soldiers that they had to build. Never knowing who would get “decapitated” as it grew taller and who wouldn’t. I asked him about the fear and he responded with “We didn’t have time to be afraid. We had a mission.” That was an amazing to think of all those soldiers not knowing from one minute until the next if they would live or die. I praised his courage, but he was busy passing “the buck”. He told me of men who were terrified, but upon hitting the battle field, became “soldiers”. He even mentioned that he served with a “hairdresser”. Mr. Mike spoke of this hairdresser’s bravery. I wondered if he would have any negative words about his sacrifice. Not him. He even found time to meet friends while serving. Some he was still in touch with. Decades later, they were still sending birthday cards.
Mr. Mike worked in our church. I am certain he had a job title but it looked as if he did a little bit of everything. I saw him in the fellowship hall sometime later. As I recall, he told me he could decorate that fellowship hall as good as any woman. I was impressed again. By now, I knew that he and his wife were raising their granddaughter on there own. I have probably whined at least once a day since my daughter arrived. I am thinking Mr. Mike never complained. I really believe he could do my job, raise my kid, fight a war, and have good conversation much better than I could. As a matter of fact I knew he could. That gave me much to think about. A man close to ninety could run circles around me. What a guy! I thought about how lucky his wife was to have him. He was (and still is) a true gem.
Mr. Mike had a heat attack a few years back. I went to visit him in the hospital. The doctor told him he needed to slow down. To my knowledge, he has not followed those orders. I doubt he will. I also know that his granddaughter is now in college. Again…what can I say….what a man!!
As always, I look forward to your comments on facebook.
Robyn James Ruff
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