I took my daughter and younger son to the local Pizza buffet for lunch recently. As we were loading up our plates my daughter said, "Look Dad, a bunch of Jonathons" I turned around to see about 15 young men in army BCUs (combat uniforms) walk in and get in line to pay for the buffet. They certainly did bring to mind my older son, Jonathon, who is the army in Wiesbaden, Germany. My son's birthday was only about a week away, and I knew I would not get to see him on his birthday this year. So I set my plate on the table and walked over to the long line of young men. I asked the first young man when his birthday was, and he gave me a date in late January. I asked them all, does anyone have a birthday sooner than his? Someone gave me date just a couple of days sooner in January. Once more I asked, does anyone have a birthday closer than his? Finally one young man said his was October 30, just about 6 weeks away. No one spoke up to say their's was closer.
I turned to the cashier and said, "I'm buying this soldier's lunch today. When he gets to the register come get me." After the soldier thanked me I turned to walk away. As I took my first step someone behind me quietly said, "Mine's today."
The Birthday Present
0 comments:
Post a Comment