Let's Make a Pact

I want to tell you a little story

about something that happened this past weekend.

On Saturday I was in a store shopping.

It was an Ulta store/salon, 

a national chain for cosmetics 

and beauty supplies, perfumes, etc. 

While I was there, five young

soldiers -- three women and two men --

in fatigues walked in the door to do some shopping.

It's almost Valentine's Day 

and the men were looking at perfumes

 and the women were looking 

at pretty much everything!

 

One of the women who works there, 
Melinda,

 did something that brought tears to my eyes.

She went up to each and every one of them 

and hugged them

and thanked them 

for their service

to our great country.

I stood watching from behind an aisle

and got very choked up and teary-eyed.

(I get this way every single time I see a soldier.)

It wasn't always this way though.

I think it has to do with my being a mom,

and knowing they are 

some proud mother and father's baby.

I also think it is because I am a proud 

and grateful American

who has never taken our

rights and our freedom for granted.

After a few minutes, 

I got a hold of myself and swallowed

the lump in my throat.

I went over to Melinda and thanked her 

for doing something 

I wish I could have done. I told her I always

want to thank them when I see them 

(we are very near to an Armed Force training base)

but I get too emotional 

and choked up and cry ----

so I don't. 

I know, selfish me. 

Melinda thanked me and hugged me too

and then she took me over to meet them

and thank them. It was full water-works

with my eyes by the time I got to them.

Melinda introduced me 

and told them the story, and

they said THANK YOU!

It's ok if you cry! That they completely

appreciate and love it on the rare occasions

when a civilian does actually take the time

to stop and say thanks.

So.....

I am here to make a plea,

to make a pact with you.

Let's start a trend

and make the effort 

to go up to each 

and every soldier 

and thank them
when we see them.

For their honor,

their sacrifice,

their service to our country

and for protecting all of us

so we can live and not fear

to lay our heads safely on our pillows

each night. 

 Maybe you already thank them

when you see them?

But maybe you are like me 

and you get too

sentimental or emotional

to show your appreciation?

Whatever the case...

let's thank them

and tell them how much

they are appreciated.

What do you say?

 God Bless the soldiers and God Bless America too.   :)

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