See that very old man sitting over there, his back leaning against the wall, and his clothes ill-fitting and soiled? He also is obviously physically disabled, and on his careworn face is a look of incredible sadness.
The man in question is a veteran. He was in the war, and he has seen and experienced things NO person should EVER have to experience. He probably saw some of his buddies shot or tortured by the enemy, and he probably was injured trying to flee enemy gunfire or bombs falling.
The man is now in his 80's; he fought during the Second World War.
He may seem happy at times, but this old gentleman has seen and experienced hard times that still continue to plague him today. He probably still thinks he is "in battle" at times, and he still hears the sound of gunfire, bombs falling and then exploding, feels the pain of bullets or shrapnel hitting and then imbedding into his flesh, and then the incredible pain wracking his body as he recovers from his devastating injuries. This is why the man walks on two crutches, which rest beside him, and this is why there is a look of pain crossing his face every so often. He sometimes still feels the pain coarsing through his lower limbs, and at times he probably wishes they had amputated his legs, so he wouldn't have to deal with the pain anymore.
Did you ever stop to think that this old veteran of the war is a person, too, and that he is not just an elderly, homeless bum who is down on his luck? Think of all the hell he has had to endure since coming home from the war: uncaring doctors or nurses, overcrowded veterans' hospitals that are too understaffed, and nobody seems to have any time for men like himself, very little in the way of disability pay (not getting what he should), and struggling to make ends meet on very little money. He probably would love to work, but people don't want to hire him because "he is too old" and "disabled"; he "isn't good enough to hold down a job".
His wife and most of his buddies are probably dead, and very few of his friends are left.
Instead of thinking that this man is "just an old bum", go over to him and talk to him. Ask questions, and if he doesn't want to "talk about the war", don't keep pressing him. Maybe there is a reason he doesn't want to talk about the war. Treat him as you would your father or your best friend. Get to know him, and if he seems angry or bitter, don't be afraid. Don't let the fact that he is elderly scare you; he is a person, and he has only been around a lot longer than you have. Talk calmly to him, without upsetting him, and try to talk about things that are going on and not bring up the mention of war or whatever happened to him. If he doesn't want to talk about the past, understand his reasonings behind that, and just go on and try to carry on a normal, everyday conversation.
Maybe there is something you can do to help veterans like him. Go to a veteran's hospital and volunteer, make the plight of the veterans known to others, and give to veteran-based charities. Give clothes that are in good condition or foodstuffs or even other necessities to places like the Red Cross or Salvation Army, or any other place or organization that helps veterans in need. Also write to veterans who are currently in service; a letter from someone would make their day, especially when they are in a place like Iraq or Liberia, places where danger is ever present and their fate is unknown. Show them you care, and you will definitely feel better for it!
Above all, thank this man for fighting for your freedom. We enjoy freedom today here in America because somebody like this veteran cared enough to fight for our land, and he (and many others) paid the ultimate sacrifice. Many were killed in the name of freedom, and countless more were left permanently disabled or injured. It was their choice to go into battle or into the service; they DIDN'T ask to be injured or killed. It was NOT their fault; it was THEIR own choice, and by fate, they were injured or even killed.
Look at this old man, and understand what he went through, and you will soon see what he endured, and you will soon see him in a new light. He will no longer seem like the decrepit old veteran without a place to call home: he will soon emerge in front of your eyes a hero, and he will seem like the most beautiful man in the world to you. Only then will you truly understand what he did for YOU and understand the TRUE meaning behind of the word "FREEDOM".
U R so right. This man is the most beautiful man in the world.
He sort of reminds me of my father.
Thanks for the memmories, Karen. :o)
Reviewed by serenety L
8/2/2003
Yes, you are so right about this. All of us see people like this old man, sitting somewhere. Life has forgotten about them. We should walk over and pay them our tribute, take care of them or, at least, help them in whatever way.
Excellent Karen.
Love
Nico
