Daddy in sailor uniform
Life,  Table Talk

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.

Mama and Daddy…so young.

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?

Daddy and me. I was two.

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.

A photo captured with his navy buddies. Daddy is the small one standing in the very middle.

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.

A bit worn, this flag will be retired and replaced with a new one…

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.

A bit of the red, white and blue that will herald a season of Patriotic celebration. A gentle reminder of my Dad’s service.

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.

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