The Soldier and the Child - That's the Scratch!

Hello again my friends!

This past weekend, (before the barbecues and the fun and games), we took the time to remember those who paid the ultimate price to help make and keep our country free. And I was amazed to see the sweetest image I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. I have once again found myself in awe of the human race and the wisdom of a child.

As we walked passed the gates of the cemetery to pay our respects to those no longer with us, I saw a soldier standing at a grave weeping for his lost loved one. And as I saw him weep, a little girl came out of nowhere and grabbed the soldier’s hand. She stood there with him holding tightly to his hand as he wept.

The soldier knelt down to thank the little girl for her kindness. But, before he could even say a word, the little girl took her two little hands, placed them on either side of his face and said, “Sometimes, even soldiers need to cry.”  

Then she gently kissed his forehead and whispered, “Thank you." She hugged the soldier and off she went through the cemetery placing a flower on each grave as she passed. Each time pausing to say thank you. I turned back to look for the soldier and he was no where to be found. I then looked back to see the little girl, and she too had disappeared.

Regardless of where these two individuals went, I saw a sight few people get to see. The kindness we all desperately need to see in this harsh world we live in.

We sometimes forget that our soldiers are people too. They have friends, family, and loved ones just like we all do. Sometimes we think that they are untouchable, too strong and proud to feel pain. But the reality is, our soldiers are human and they do feel and they do hurt just as deeply as the rest of us. Yet, they have the amazing ability to push past the pain and do the jobs that we would think impossible to achieve ourselves. And that is what makes them true heroes.

Now, I have no idea where this soldier or little girl disappeared to. Nor, do I want to even try to come up with an explanation. So, I simply choose to chalk it up to truly being blessed to have been present to share in such a heart touching moment.

As we go about our lives and assume “business as usual”, may we continue to hold in our hearts all those who have served and continue to serve. For with out them, we would not have the freedoms we do today. May we all have the wisdom of this young little girl and remember, “Sometimes even soldiers need to cry.”

 And that’s the scratch!

C.H. Ickens

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