Life Lessons in Produce

Ben is extremely proud of his JROTC uniform, so much so that he wears it at every opportunity. He was going to an event at my sister’s church this evening so of course he was already wearing it when it was time for me to go to the grocery store. We couldn’t let it go to waste so he went with me. I am glad that he is proud of it and he does look very handsome.
The last time he went to the store with me (again wearing his uniform) a lady passed by us pushing her shopping cart. I stopped to let her go around us and I noticed that she had a little boy following her that appeared to be about 5 or 6 years old. One look at him told me that he was probably completely incorrigible. Snap judgments are dangerous but I just got that "feeling". It was confirmed when he looked up (WAY up ) at Ben and said, "Hey COP!" as he walked by us. I thought Ben would never catch his breath because he was laughing so hard.
Today we were in the produce section and I was trying to decide which potatoes to buy. As I reached out to pick up a bag  I noticed a tall distinguished elderly gentleman pushing his cart determinedly in our direction. His silver cane was positioned carefully in his cart. I looked at him and smiled. I thought perhaps he needed some assistance because I know I had never met him before.
He stopped his cart directly in front of mine and  said, "I want to shake this young man’s hand." I turned around and looked at Ben thinking that maybe he knew him somehow. Ben was just as puzzled as I was but he shook hands with the man. I regret to say that names never "stick" with me so I have no clue as to his name now. I do know that I won’t forget "him" though.
It turns out that he is one of this area’s last surviving service members to have served at "D-Day". He told us how he had served under General Patton. This man was just a year older than Ben when he signed up to serve. He smiled when he said his mother had to sign a consent form for him to join. He told Ben that he was proud of him. When I told him that I have two other sons that are serving in the military he told me that I was blessed. I know this.
He stood there chatting with us for a few more minutes. He was so kind to us and so encouraging to Ben that I just couldn’t help myself. I said, "You will have to forgive me but I can’t help myself. I HAVE to hug you. Thank you so much for everything you did." I gave him a hug, right there in front of the potato bin! He seemed a bit surprised but he wrapped his arms around me and hugged me back.
As I stepped away from him he looked me in the eye and said, "Thank you for having sons willing to serve. It is important." With those words he went on his way. Ben and I just stood there looking at each other.
As we went down the aisle I told him that he needs to remember what that man said. The uniform he has now is a sort of "practice" uniform but it is not a game. It MEANS something.