I Was Blown Up In 2004

I had just stopped to get a hair cut and was talking to a Korean Vet as a young man, maybe 24 years old, walked into the shop.  He was shaking as if he had Cerebral  Palsy.  He is an alert young man and seems very bright, but when people first look at him they try to look away.  He just does not appear "normal."  My heart ached for him as he attempted to form his words and be a part of the discussion.

I moved to the chair and then had direct eye to eye contact.  Yes this young man does indeed have a glow in his eyes,  and he is not ashamed or embarrassed by his condition.  At least he does not let on that he is less than anyone else.  We talked about a few subjects then we talked about his meds.  He smiled and said, I quit taking them.  I was surprised.  He indicated he was tired of taking a fist full of pills that he, nor his Doc, knew were absolutely sure he needed.  This took this old veteran back a bit.  He continued, "I have never had a seizure.  So why do I need seizure medication.  So I asked my Doc to let me try NOT taking them until I actually had a seizure.  I have never had one yet."  This made sense to me.

The Barber said, "you know he is one of our Miracles!"  The young veteran brightened up and smiled proudly.  God had done something special for him, and I could tell it.  I asked, "What miracle?"  He said, "I was blown up in Iraq."  The Barber related, "and he was in a coma for a long time"... indicating no knew if he was even going to live, much less function again. 

The veteran continued, "I was in a hummer and we hit an IED." I said, "I do not see any scars on you." He was wearing shorts and a T shirt;  so I was surprised that his body, apart from the clear palsy, showed no scars from being "blown up."  Then he showed me where the explosion and ripped open the side of his head.  His hair , though short, covered it  well.  Barber finished my haircut, and I paid him, but I some how felt different.  I had been in the presence of a young man who had given his all for our country, for my children, and for me... And he was younger than us  all.  His life would never be the same, and I am not sure I will ever be the same again, especially when I see my veterans each day.  For I had been in the presence of a shaky young man... A TRUE HERO.  

I thanked him for his service as I looked him in his clear blue eyes.  We shook hands, and he gave me a firm manly grip.  He demonstrated no sorrow for his loss.  He climbed into the Barbers chair, and I started to leave.  Yes, I had been in the presence of a miracle.  I had been in the presence of a true hero.  I paid for his haircut and left.

Be Blessed Today,
SoJourner.