Ok. So, it's been awhile since my last blog entry but I thought I'd sum up something that happened to me yesterday at a local establishment. You all know my 2015 goal of 12 half marathons for the year. So far I've completed 5 of the 12. Having done The Louisiana Half, The Cowtown Half, The Stonebridge Half, The Longview Half, and The OKC memorial Half back in April. I'd have 6 under my belt if my beloved Patriot Half hadn't been cancelled. But, I digress.
I still get comments about how inspirational it is to see me running the way I do but, I honestly don't feel like the inspiration I once was. After All, time heals all wounds and also fades the glories that come with such efforts to overcome. Then, something happens like that experience I had just yesterday. And it is all put back into perspective.
I was at a local establishment and could see these two older gents talking to one another across a table. They were both wearing their "Retired Air Force" commemorative hats as we all see some veterans doing from time to time. I think it's the coolest thing to see! Just my two cents though. I can see they are talking pretty passionately about a subject but, I'm to far way to hear the conversation. I want to get up and go talk to them and thank them both for their service as I'm sure they are war veterans from The Vietnam War based on how old they appeared to be, but struggle when it comes to approaching people on my own. No just military veterans, but people in general. It's a little known fact about me, I'm pretty shy at first meeting. SHHH!!! Don't tell anyone though.
Well, I sat there for a while then I made eye contact with one of them by accident. Then again. And again. It was becoming obvious that I was looking at them. But, the guy never flinched or batted an eye. He just kept on talking about what story he was telling his buddy. I'm sure I was the only one feeling awkward. At least, I'd hoped that was the case. We caught eyes a couple more times and my awkwardness turned into conviction. I should go talk to these guys! They are the hero's that I run for. What's the worst that could happen if I approach them right? It's not like they're gonna kick me in the face for interrupting the cup of coffee they both drinking.
So, I got up from me seat and walked across the room to face them both and said, "Hi Gentlemen. I noticed you're both veterans." I instantly though to myself, "DUUUHH!!! It's on their hats John! Of course their veterans you moron!". They both smiled so brightly that the room got brighter all of a sudden. The took turns introducing themselves as Retired Lt. Col. Gomer Lewis and Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Edwin Taylor. Both had served in Vietnam for several years. I wish I had taken note of each of their years of service to quote accurately, but my mind didn't kick in that quickly.
After hearing their introductions, I took time to introduce myself and told them how I run with Team RWB and carry a flag when I run some of my races to honor Military veterans such as themselves. They both reacted with such humble thankfulness and appreciation that it was almost overwhelming to me. I went on to tell them how much I really appreciate all they have done for our country and poured out my thanks to them both.
Just as I was going to walk back to my seat, Gomer looks at me close and says, "Do you live in Rockwall?" I of course answered in the affirmative. And he lit up even more! You're the guy with the flag that runs in Rockwall!! I saw the article written about you on July 4th!" he says. He leans over to his friend and explains the story to him almost as if to remind him of the story they had both read together. After realize who I am, they both got tears in their eyes and almost visible lumps in their throats as they tried to express how much it means to them to be appreciated in such a bold way. I had to fight off the urge to join the tear jerker they started here, and I told them how honored I am to honor them for the sacrifices they made and continue to struggle with even to this day.
I gave them my phone number and told them how I'd be honored to run for any of their fellow veterans and encouraged them to reach out to me with any names that come to mind as I want to do my best to honor as many vets as possible. They both promised to do so with tears still remaining in their eyes as we all finally realized what I scene we were causing among the few that had stopped to watch us interacting.
I gathered myself and walked back to my seat. I sat reflecting on what had just happened, As a result of my choice to overcome my fear of approaching people, these two guys will have a great day today. Not because of me. No! But, because a single member of the public that these guys were fighting to keep safe finally shook their hand and offered a very genuine "Thank You". Not only that, but a thank you that was random and unsolicited. We weren't attending some military gala honoring vets. We weren't attending some formal event that is set up to gain positive public relations. Just another member of society acknowledging the fact that these guys gave of themselves to fight for a country that is now in large part, so self absorbed that we don't recognize the true heros among us. These individuals don't ask for a parade or news stories telling of their blooding fights in the jungles of deserts of the world, while following orders laid out by a corrupt and greedy government. Nope. They just fade away into the coffee shops and back drops of America.
And THAT brings me to my reminder. I started out running for me. To avoid the operating table. Then, I was running to provide inspiration to those who came to rely on me as their source of motivation. Now, I run to keep alive a memory of those who serve in our nation's military. I will still keep my goal of 12 half's this year even though I'll have to double up here and there but, I now run with a reinforced purpose.
I guess I just lost perspective and needed a little reminder.
