Today’s Hero

Dear Soldier in Panera,

We were waiting to grab a bite of lunch. Of course, we made it “to-go”, because Jack doesn’t eat and hates being around food.

The line continued to grow, and you stepped in front of us to grab your order.

My son, who is completely enamored by the “pow-pow men” (otherwise known as soldiers),  grabbed your legs from his seat in the wheelchair. You almost fell.

I apologized profusely.

But you, YOU made me cry.

You removed your hat, placed your food back on the counter, and sat on the floor so you could talk to my son. You held his hand. You allowed him to touch your face, your hair, and your clothes.

The love between you two was so intense it almost brought me to my knees. But what you said…what you said, I will carry in my heart forever.

This guy is who we fight for-the future of our country…Besides, I’m a mom too!”

Thank you. Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for spending 5 minutes with MY special needs kid. Thank you for sacrificing your role as Mom, so we can have the  freedoms  others only dream of.

You are my hero, and I will carry you in my heart and prayers for the rest of my life.

Love,

Me

Heather is a mom of two, wife, and nurse educator doing what she can to save the day! She lives in Orlando where she is routinely spotted driving while singing ABBA--all on a mission to advocate and educate!
Heather P
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17 Responses to Today’s Hero
  1. Courtney
    July 30, 2010 | 3:46 pm

    That made me cry, too! Thanks for sharing!

    • HeatherP
      July 30, 2010 | 5:11 pm

      You’re welcome!

      I think it’s just so incredible when someone…ANYONE…stops and takes a moment out of their life to make someone else’s life a bit richer!

  2. Melisa with one s
    July 30, 2010 | 5:13 pm

    Wow. That was a powerful moment for me, just reading about it.
    Tara from If Mom Says Ok sent me, and I’m so glad she did.

    Have a great weekend!

    • HeatherP
      July 30, 2010 | 5:47 pm

      That is awesome! Thank you! And thanks to Tara too!

  3. Kelli Stever
    July 30, 2010 | 5:42 pm

    What a lovely memory to share! This really brightened my day! Be blessed!

    • HeatherP
      July 30, 2010 | 5:46 pm

      thanks! It was a great moment! You be blessed too!

  4. Mandy M
    July 30, 2010 | 8:24 pm

    I’m trying to find the right words…truly an incredible moment for all 3 of you. I assume she was in uniform; but proof that Jack knows the good guys from the bad and how fortunate that you got to meet one of the best of our country’s best.

    • HeatherP
      July 30, 2010 | 10:35 pm

      Mandy,
      Yes, she was in uniform…and he did meet THE best! Hugs to you!

  5. Marie
    July 30, 2010 | 10:36 pm

    Wow! Just wow!

    • HeatherP
      August 2, 2010 | 9:48 am

      Thank you Marie!

  6. Danette
    July 31, 2010 | 11:07 am

    I’m in tears over here… what a beautiful experience, this made my day!

    • HeatherP
      August 2, 2010 | 9:48 am

      It made my week! :)

  7. kristenkj
    August 1, 2010 | 7:04 am

    That is just beautiful. What a wonderful experience.

    • HeatherP
      August 2, 2010 | 9:49 am

      You know, it’s hard…so many times our special kids get overlooked. It meant a lot for him to be acknowledged in a personal way!

  8. Stimey
    August 2, 2010 | 9:08 am

    Well, now you made ME cry. so lovely.

    • HeatherP
      August 2, 2010 | 9:50 am

      Smooch. and Thank you.

  9. Lisa in Elijahland
    August 3, 2010 | 10:34 pm

    I’m all teary-eyed. What a beautiful moment!