Sometimes a chance encounter or unexpected conversation can make someone take a little extra time to think something out. This has happened several times lately. I am not exactly sure why maybe just to make me personally take pause.
Recently, I had stopped to purchase Powerball numbers in hopes of winning the big jackpot. Of course chances are one in millions but you can not win if you don't play, or so my husband comments often. Also I had a chance to visit my daughter at her second job. After purchasing the numbers a voice from behind me commented about the recent big jackpot that was won. The young man appeared to maybe be in his 30's, a very tall bear of a guy but lets face it anyone taller than my 5'2 is a bear of a man. He was smartly dressed in a dark blue suit, with matching shirt and tie not something I often see anymore where I live. He also wore a green Disabled American Veteran cap. After the quick mention of the numbers he quickly moved to how he had won a $500 prize recently in a lottery ticket scratcher. He explained how the money came in handy just at the right time because it was later used to do some plumbing repairs and help a dog that had some health issues. He also mentioned that he was unable to work because he had early stages MS, fibromalgia and several other health issues. He went on to say that he spent much of his time at the VA as he was learning how to handle a wheelchair as he would eventually be in one someday. He briefly mentioned that he had been in the Navy in the early 90's and that his ship had been hit in some way.
The conversations rapidly moved from one topic to another making it somewhat difficult for me to keep up as he wouldn't finish sentences before starting on another. I stood there and let him talk as I felt like it was the thing to do. It seemed as though he focused on his Navy buddies and his time he spent in service. Although it was obvious that his health had been severely compromised due to his service it still seemed to bring light to his eyes when he discussed the places he traveled too and he proceeded to show me some pictures on his cellphone of these friends.
His demeanor changed when he spoke of how he had gotten someone fired for questioning his disability. He explained how the person had commented that he got so much more than what this person's relative got as far as benefits. His comment was he had been disabled while serving in active duty not years later.
This brought up a question after I eventually excused myself and left. I am not exactly sure of the answer and am not really sure if there is a true answer that would help either party. I know it is unfortunate and sad to see people of all ages who have served there country and go away with the feeling that because they served there country a part of them didn't return back home. Although I felt like maybe this conversation was a lesson learned I still came away with sadness but a little sense of pride that the young man chose me to pour his heart too. Maybe it was another moment of unless you have walked in someone's shoes you never know what there situation is. I appreciate the service they gave but am always angry at what the outcome is for these young men who unfortunately return broken in some way either right away or years later. No matter when it is it will affect families forever.
I guess its a little like playing the lottery your numbers come up and sometimes you have all the numbers and other times you have none. Thank you too those who have served. I will think of you a little bit differently from now on.
