Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Thank You Mr. Army Man

Dear Army Man from Walmart:
I am in awe of the sacrifice you and your fellow soldiers make so that I can take our kids to the county fair, gather with other families for BBQs, watch our kids play soccer, homeschool them in a country that allows me to be their teacher, to have Bibles all throughout our home, and so much more, all while you have to wave goodbye to your wife and children and go and fight for me to have those rights.

But, that is not why I write this letter. I have an extraordinary 5-year-old who has a spirit of justice, who is disciplined, yet forgiving, courageous, yet kind and who more than anything wants to be "an army man" when he grows up (actually he is leaning toward Marines right now, it changes often). I would like to thank you for smiling at that little boy in Walmart and when he told you that he was going to be an Army man when he grows up, you squatted down to his level, put your hat on his head and told him he could be anything he wanted to be as long as he worked hard and sacrificed for what was right.


I know sir that you and your fellow soldier had been traveling a while and still had hours to go to get to your destination. But, that did not stop you from going a step further and telling this little soldier that he could come outside and see inside your rig.

In a world where priorities are so askew, you sir symbolize what is right~ duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and courage. Thank you....for your service to our country and for epitomizing what a true American hero is to a little boy who I pray will not be afraid to live courageously among his peers and who will walk humbly with God.

Blessed at Walmart (not because of saving money, but yes, living better),
The Park Wife

13 comments:

Gina said...

I literally have tears in my eyes over this post. What a great man to do that for your Buckaroo!!!!

mimis kitchen52 said...

What a great post! What an impact on that little boy that soldier had on him! Thanks for sharing!

Julie said...

My lil guy hearts army men, too. We just had an army themed b-day party. It was the bomb.

http://funmajors.blogspot.com/2011/09/7th-birthday-party.html

The Retired Mama said...

Wonderful wonderful post. Thanks to the men and women who protect our country and to families like yours who understand and appreciate them.

jmcreasy75 said...

I'm with Gina, this sweet post brought tears to my eyes and a peace of knowing there are still good people out there looking out for our future! My heartfelt salute to American troops all around the world!

Leanna said...

LOVE this post! I'm going to link it from my blog.

Julie said...

I saw this link on facebook a while ago but just now made it over to read this. I am bawling right now. I love this!

Diana Stone said...

I hopped over from my blog after seeing you on the BlogHer ad role. My husband is in the Army and I started tearing up the moment I read it. Thanks so much for posting this. Really. Sometimes the Army only is known for deployments or war, it's SO special that you not only wrote this but got pics.

I shared it on Twitter and FB hoping that what you put so kindly gets passed around. And my husband will be reading it tonight.

<3 Love your blog.

Lisa Noel said...

that is awesome!!!

Katrina @ Hix in the Stix ~ Army Edition said...

I love this! My husband is also Army and it is something that I could definitely see him doing! Thank you so much for sharing; it really means more than you will ever know!

http://thehixinthestixarmyedition.blogspot.com/

Lauren Wayne said...

I have tears, too. What a sweet moment! My dad & brother are former Army, too, and I love the connecting that gentleman showed your son.

AP Mommy said...

So nice to see that people like him exist and that he is one protecting this country. Thank you for sharing.

Amy DM said...

This just made my day. Thank you for sharing it!