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He’s 86
Stories from the Food Pantry
Thursday he came into the pantry, eighty six years old, a Vietnam vet with stories to tell and a sense of humor.
The vet had a financial setback due to a bad roof, thankfully habitat for humanity stepped in to help with that, and we were able to help with food. He was grateful, but we were too, for the stories of an 86-year-old Vietnam vet.
He talked of his time in service and the horrible manner they were treated because he had fought in that war.
“They spat on us.”
My Uncle served in Vietnam, but his memories were filtered by pain, loss, and pain. War is hell, and we treated those who returned like dirt. Regardless of your views on war, spitting on others is gross and demeaning.
But sometimes those who fought in wars need a little help, a little kindness, and sometimes just a little dose of friendship is enough to change their lives, and it’s in listening to the stories, reaching out to people in friendship that you get something more valuable than words, the satisfaction of giving back to someone who helped you.
The people who fought in Vietnam were often treated horribly and unfortunately many of them suffer from physical and mental health problems.
He’s eighty six and yet so full of life, and stories and we are all looking forward to hearing a few more.
Copyright ©️ Michelle R Kidwell
December.16.2023
