I knew you were “heading out” at 7 am; but I wasn’t quite prepared for what I saw as I watched you walk across the patio and down the steps to your car. 

     You see I know you’re Commissioned.  I know I’ve told everyone who’s questioned why I’m “allowing” you to do this Army thing that you’ve wanted to be involved in “protecting and serving” since you were in Kindergarten.  

     I know you’ve gone to Africa and Alaska to learn even more about ways to do your job well.  I know you slept on a glacier and had to get an IV because you climbed too high and too long and got dehydrated, but you did it so you wouldn’t be disqualified.  I know you rope climbed over a ravine with a full pack and thought it was great. 

     I know you’ve read more books than the average librarian, and you strive for excellence in everything you do. 

     I know those things and yet, when I saw you take one last moment to straighten your hat to make sure it was “just right” before leaving the house, I realized the name on the back of that Army hat was my last name too, and I couldn’t help but wonder what you know?

     Do you know when you walked across the patio I didn’t see a man in full gear, I saw the little boy who walked that same patio in army shorts holding a plastic gun telling his little brother to follow the path? 

     Do you know I saw the Hardy Boys books and the way you searched until your collection was complete reading every single one? 

     Do you know I saw the mischievous smile when I caught you doing something that you were being sneaky about - like convincing your toddler brother to get the cookies and when asked about it you said, “What? he got them, I’m just eating them”?

     Do you know as you descended the steps at the end of the patio, I saw you taking your first steps across the living room floor and remembered how independent you became once you knew you could get somewhere on your own? 

     Do you know as you walked just out of my sight I heard the words “I, Noah Hartzell, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Pennsylvania against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of Pennsylvania and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God.”

     Do you know those words are the reason people say, “Thank you for your service”?  Do you know it hurts a little when I see that look on your face thinking you don’t feel you deserve it because you haven’t been deployed yet?   You see the thing is…when you said those words, “I do solemnly swear” - you signed up to go if they call.  You’ve made the commitment … not knowing where you will go or what you will be asked to do.  You’ve sworn to defend the United States wherever and whenever, and you continue to train to do that very thing.  THAT is why we say thank you for your service – because training to do those things, knowing someday you WILL be doing those things, deserves thanks.

     Do you know how very proud your Dad and I are?

     Do you know that the flag proudly displayed in front of our home not only represents our love for our Country, but the gratitude for the men and women who’ve sworn to protect it…including you?

     In case you didn’t know, you do now. 

     #armystrong #proudmomma

     His eyes made sure to examine every person in the line in front of him yet, he never made eye contact with one of them; he gathered his cup of steaming goodness and left.  She stood in the line and couldn’t stop pulling her coat down, first in the back then the front, making sure she glanced at others; but never once lifting her eyes high enough to look into another’s.  His order wasn’t correct and although he didn’t raise his voice, those around him could see his displeasure and as he passed the woman trying desperately to order from this menu that clearly had too many choices for her, his shaking head and roll of his eyes was a clear indicator that his morning was not going well. 

     There was one man in a blue jacket and darker blue beenie that actually reached out in an attempt to have connection with those around him waiting for their orders.  Sadly, not one person was aware of his searching eyes as he quietly waited until his name was called.  He grabbed his cup and looked at each person, one more time as if willing them to see him.  They did not. 

     I couldn’t help but wonder how many times I didn’t see searching eyes just hoping to connect with someone as I waited in a line waiting for my name to be called?  How many interactions had I missed because my eyes were searching my phone instead of being aware of the living beings who surrounded me?  How many times have I been unaware? 

     I wanted so badly for him to look my way so I could give him a big smile and say “Hi”; but I wasn’t in line.  I was sitting at a table in another part of the coffee shop, and just happened to have a clear view of him by the counter. 

      I’ve recently begun scheduling time for social media and this was a confirmation that it was a good idea.    I realized I was wasting a lot of time being a spectator to other people's life and not living my own.  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing what my friends are doing; but I realized it was also a reason I wasn't getting my own things done.  I also decided I want more a "facetime" instead of facebook.  Nothing beats the real laughs, real conversation and real people getting together.

     So Mr. Blue Jacket, who got his coffee at the shop on the corner in Center City Philly this morning, please know you may not have had interaction with those around you; but you most definitely made an impact. 

     I had lunch with one of my boys.  It cracks me up that I say “boy” as if he’s a toddler, when in fact he’s in his twenties.  We went to his favorite sushi place in town.  A place that he’s eaten so much that the waitress says, “The usual?” prior to him ordering and when she left the table, I’m told she’s making a birthday cake for her son tonight.  Personal service really is still the best!  As we sat chatting, I couldn’t help but think about how wonderful it is that although I love this person sitting across from me at the table, I also like him. 

     I’ve eaten sushi before and I like anything that doesn’t include raw fish (which really makes me wonder if technically it can be called sushi at all).  Ha

     I was told that I would be using chopsticks to eat and with a straight face said “okay”, but on the inside I cracked up thinking there was no way that was going to happen.  We spent a few minutes practicing and it didn’t go as bad as I thought it would.  He was patient as he told me several times how to hold it and then decided that I needed to mimic his holding the chopstick and once again, after a few times – I got it. 

     The soup arrived first, and thankfully – there’s a spoon for that.  It is however, very difficult to use a spoon with sides without making a slurping noise – he was quick to tell me “Don’t worry, everyone slurps when they use it.”  I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. 

     Our rolls arrived and the games began.  It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be to get the food in the chopsticks.  The difficult part was dipping in the sauce and getting it into my mouth without wearing it.  I didn’t even attempt to look at the bottom of the roll as that would have required skill I clearly do not have yet.  I don’t think I’ve concentrated that much to eat lunch – ever.

     This fun, learning something I had never done before lunchtime, reminded me that it’s so important to be open-minded and saying “Yes” when we have the opportunity to be adventurous – okay, maybe sushi with chopsticks isn’t exactly “adventurous”; but it does require an open mind and willingness to make a fool of yourself while learning.  The best part – I spent an hour with one of my boys just talking about life and it doesn’t get much better than that.