An Etched Moment
Do you realize your importance to others today? For those you may casually pass or share a thought or glance or encouragement along the way? I’ve never really grasped the levity of my impact on others; but it has clearly been made evident the power of a brief encounter that enters into my senses and places an indelible mark on me. Memories that have a lasting impact.
An etched moment that has lasted for years.
It’s like a notch added to my timeline that forever changes me. Has that happened to you?
I have a memory of such a moment coming back through an airport in Charlotte, NC. Perhaps it was the novel I had recently finished, written from a deaf character’s perspective, that heightened my awareness of my surroundings; but, it left me deeply sensitive to what was occurring around me in the post 911 security line.
A woman carefully guided her elderly father and asked the TSA officer if she could go through security with him. She was denied that request and her reluctance to let him go and their languished good byes were heart breaking.
I was behind them and this voice came out of me and I said,
“I’ll go through with him.”
Vast reassurance and relief on her face was all I needed. As I walked behind to guide him, he was precious, thankful and endearing.
He looked back at me and I introduced myself. He replied, “I’m Richie…and you are so beautiful.” I could feel those warm eyes see right through me and I could feel this acquaintance cut right to the heart. Trying to gather my composure, I helped with his cane, shoes, pocket contents; guided him through the screening and then helped on the other side. Someone stepped in to help get him to a different gate from mine and into a cart to assist. He thanked me and held my hand and was gone.
Now, for the rest of the story…
This wasn’t a casual “pay it forward” moment. No. It was an intentional one that my heavenly Father knew I needed.
Rewind to the prescreening area. As I had stood watching the conversation and interaction with this father and daughter, I thought, this is what I miss.
My Dad died when I was 17, the middle of my senior year.
Throughout my life, I’ve missed him.
College graduation, my wedding, birth of my boys, and even the birth of his great grandchildren.
But today I realized I missed growing older with him. God knew what I needed when He placed in my path that morning the man for me to care for–bearing the same name as my dad, “Richie”- and how that encounter would speak to my soul.
Connecting to my heart and healing in ways unimaginable. A simply wonderful way that my heavenly Father let me know I am blessed, loved, and truly thankful.
Today my father would have been 95. I often wonder how he would have aged.
What his jokes would be like now.
Could he still do that amazing whistle that my son has inherited?
Would he still be able to dance with me?
Today, I honor his service in the navy during World War II.
Can you even imagine his experiences? A radio operator on that ship that removed dead bodies from the seas.
There were things in our home that gave hint to the war. Things that he brought back and kept tucked away.
Memories, like many of that generation, that were not shared.
I will begin my celebration of you today, Daddy, as I hang that American flag in it’s holder. I am thankful that you were there fighting for our freedom.
As I pulled out my flag, it appeared tired. A little worn for the wear of past seasons.
The threads a little frayed and colors a little dulled.
So, today, I will hang a new one that would make you proud and retire this one that has honored well.
As I decorate with red, white and blue that will continue to celebrate Memorial Day and Flag Day and the 4th of July, it will all be a gentle reminder that I hung them on your birthday.
Happy heavenly birthday, Daddy!
On this Memorial Day, may your memories bring a grateful heart for lives made richer by all given.
May your brief encounters offer opportunities for you to touch and be touched by and through Him.
34 Comments
Gary Forsythe
Beautiful story Leslie! I do believe that little moments such as you described help define us if we just take the time to process their value! Thank you!
lesliejwatkins
Thank you. If only we could be so observant to always see and appreciate them!
Vickie Ramey
Beautifully written! My heart touched again!
lesliejwatkins
Love you.
Dee
Leslie dear I was deeply touched by your blog post, and your reminiscing about your daddy, and your encounter with that precious man. Thank you for being you, your beautiful heart displayed for all to see, the glory of the Lord that shines, indwells you, and pours forth from you. I am so thankful that the Lord has brought us together, I treasure your friendship.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you so very much, Dee. Such a blessing to have met you here! That memory is so deeply etched in my heart that I had to share to celebrate it.
Jo Ann
Awesome story. Thank you for being you. GOD created a special person when He made you.
lesliejwatkins
Thank you, sweet friend.
Chris
Beautiful…..
lesliejwatkins
Thank you. So easy to miss these moments.
Martha Wallace
Thank you for this reminder. Our Heavenly Father’s heart of love is undescribable.
lesliejwatkins
Thank you, dear friend.
KariAnne Wood
This is such an amazing reminder!
We are blessed!
Happy day
karianne
lesliejwatkins
Thank you for joining me at the table for this memory. I am thankful you are sharing with me in this journey.
Debbie Davies
Keep writing sweet Rhonda….. I simply LOVE the stories ❤️
lesliejwatkins
Thanks for your encouragement, Debbie. –Leslie
กรองหน้ากากอนามัย
A big thank you for your article.
SMS
bookmarked!!, I like your blog!
Cindy
This is a beautiful post and tribute to your dad.
I lost my mom at 26 and I can empathize. I miss her dearly and was at tge point in my life when I could spoil her with my love so much.
I gave her my all but it was adult to adult time.
My FIL fought in WWII and Korea. The things he saw and endured I can’t imagine.
I’m in awe if the men that fought for the freedom we have every day.
Leslie J Watkins
I am so very sorry for your loss of your Mom at such a young age, too. Thank you so much for sharing with me. Hope you have many feet of those you love under your table this weekend. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
Renae
Wow! What a beautiful post and tribute to your dad. It truly touched my heart. Well done, my friend.
Hugs and blessings to you.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Renae. That memory at the airport is truly etched forever. A great reminder from my heavenly Father.
alda ellis
How PRECIOUS! loved that you shared such a sweet memory . Thankful we were blessed with such great fathers…and our heavenly father. Loved reading this…hugs!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Alda. It was so surreal. And such a precious memory. Have a great weekend, sweet friend!
elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
Beautiful Leslie. This post brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine the comfort that you gave not only this man but his daughter who knew when she passed him off to you that he would be well cared for if only for a short time.
Your dad was an amazing man and his life though short made a lasting impast on not only you but all thouse he touched. Thank you for sharing your memories and letting us put our feet under your table.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Elizabeth. That experience is so etched in my memory. I am thankful to have provided comfort to them. But, the healing it did in my heart was so wonderful. Never to be forgotten.
Cindy Rust
Thanks for sharing your experience with the man in the airport. These ‘little’ moments can mean so much to others and to us. Being attentive and listening to our Father’s voice is a skill that we are continually learning and honing. That man and his daughter were blessed by your obedience to your Father. And you were blessed as well. I never knew either of my grandmothers growing up – my maternal grandmom died when I was 6 months and my paternal grandmom lived across the country. But God. He gave me 18 years with an elderly woman who I cared for. And she cared for me too in so many ways. I had so many good years with her until she passed at 93. He knows what we need and He fills that need in the most creative ways. Blessings to you!
KariAnne Wood
This post is amazing! Thank you for sharing your heart and your father’s service.
Your heart is so special!
Happy day!
KariAnne
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you so much. That means a great deal from my mentor. Happy Weekend!
Laura Ingalls Gunn
Dearest Leslie,
I am catching up with your wonderful blog this morning. This post truly touched my heart. As the wife of a retired serviceman as well as someone whose father passed on before I was born it was just beautiful to read your experiences and see these wonderful photos. Thank you so much for sharing!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Laura. That means so very much to me. That memory was so very vivid and I am truly thankful for that memory. I am so very sorry that you never met your father. So very hard—Hugs to you, sweet friend.
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Claudia Smith
Such a beautiful story Leslie….
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Claudia. One that is so deeply etched in my memory.