Thanks!

Thanks!

Goes to all of you.

Earlier this month I was having lunch with my wife. A busy north side eatery with all of the normal comings and goings. About half way through my sandwich, a man approached rather hesitantly. As he neared he apologized for interrupting and said,

“I’m a local pastor. I have been involved in several funerals that you guys have attended. I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to the families. Thank you.”

With my mouth still half full (doesn’t it always happen that way) and a large lump forming rather quickly in my throat, I eek ed out the words, “it is our honor, thank you.” And we shook hands.

With that he walked away. That was it. No long conversation, no exchanging of names. I could see in his eyes he was fighting back the emotions we are all so familiar with so I didn’t try to stop him. I’m not sure I could have talked anyway.

I just wanted all of you to know that it wasn’t me personally he was thanking, it was you. That day, I just happened to be wearing an Indiana PGR shirt, so I received your thanks.

Again, I say to each and every one of you, THANK YOU, from the families. For taking a few hours to stand a flag line, for everything.