A Nurse Encounters a Soldier

Jeannine, shown visiting with family
 on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH.
(Bergeron Image.)

Yesterday, our family received this e-mail from Priscille’s sister Jeannine, who lives in Florida.  Although J. is now retired, she has had a long career in nursing, most of it with the VNA in Connecticut.  Always helpful, always cheerful, J. will go out of her way, always offering kindness and hospitality to others.

Below is J’s unedited account of her serendipitous encounter on Friday with one of America’s heroes, an Afghanistan veteran.  It is presented below in its entirety and with her permission.

"Good morning to all:  Would like to share a little story which shows how paying it forward can be rewarding to all of us.

Yesterday afternoon on my way back from running errands, I decided to stop at Five Guys to use the rest of a gift card.  In line in front of me, was a young man with a Vietnam emblem on a vest and on a cap as well.  He had 2 leg braces, 2 arm braces and crutches and was struggling to get to his wallet.

I paid for his lunch and went about filling his soda cup and set it on a table for him.  When both of our lunches were ready, I proceeded to set his down on the table and headed to the door.  He stopped me and asked if I had time to sit and have lunch with him.  I told him I had the time and would be honored.

He was injured in Afghanistan.  His father had been in Vietnam.  We started to chat about his injuries and I told him about you, Rog, and your recent accident.  He was very interested in your progress and wondered how you and Marilyn could have done it.

I told him that it took courage, determination and the support of a loving wife for Rog to get to where he is today.  We talked about the need for rehab and that by virtue of his making the trip to Five Guys that he sure had plenty of rehab getting there.

After a long chat, I got up and wished him luck and thanked him for his service to me and to our country to which he replied "No, I thank you, for sharing lunch with me and for sharing the story of your brother and his progress.  I'll keep at it and I'm sure he will too.  Wish him luck for me!"

Well, that's my Memorial Day story.  It lifted my spirits and I wanted you to know that Roger and Marilyn's courage have lifted this young man's spirits as well. Rog, you remain among one of our heroes on this Memorial Day weekend. 

Love to all.  As you all know, I have a special place in my heart for our veterans and those who serve in the military, sacrificing their personal lives and families.  My thoughts are with them and with all of you this weekend."

Blogger’s Note:  “Rog” is J.’s brother.  He incurred a severe life-threatening accident to his spine about a year ago.

With the help of expert surgery, the support of his wife, the encouragement and prayers of family and friends, as well as solid support from the management and employees of his company, he is making an astonishing comeback.

His determination during rehabilitation has been uplifting and inspirational to our family.  So are the “courage and determination” of all of the Iraq-Afghanistan warriors returning home who also face prolonged recoveries.

(Click on the image for an enhanced view.)