The Hole
(From March 2003)
I was talking to a man at work Friday. I discovered he has more metal in
his body keeping him together, than some cars. I wondered if he'd been
injured in an auto accident. He explained that most of his injuries came
from his service in the Viet Nam Conflict. His voice choked as he
recalled having to witness the death of a soldier in a fox hole during the
Tet Offensive. He himself spent 28 days in a fox hole, often in water to
his nose, during the monsoon.
His injuries were inflicted by a Viet Kong guerilla with a Machete. His
skull was split, throat nearly slit, his neck hacked to within millimeters
of severing his spine. A bullet lodged against his spinal chord, so his
legs were rubber. He spent days in the hospital unable to walk without
special assistance, for fear that his skin would split from having been in
the hole full of water so long. I sat for several minutes at the end of the
shift listening to him.
He told me that he will probably retire at the end of this year. One of
the things he intends to do and dreads at the same time, is visit the
"Wall"...the memorial dedicated to the 59,000 Americans who died in
Viet Nam. He's never been able to go, but says if he can, he wants to.
I told him I'd seen it three times now, and that the last time, I had to
stand back from it. He was afraid he'd not be able to approach it, when
he does go. I told him that I thought he would. That he would do it for
those who didn't make it back.
Talking to him made me feel a little ashamed about the complaining I've
done about my aches and pains. They're real, but I feel so fortunate
that I never had to experience those things he lived. He is a man who
seems to embrace each day. I was dumbstruck by his story. I didn't
ask about his relationship with God, but eventually I will. I don't even
know his real name. In the Factory we often go by nicknames, his is
'Bud'.
I don't know why he shared so much of this terrible part of his life with
me. I think he probably knows I'm a Christian...everyone seems to. It
could be that's the reason, I don't know. I only know I want to be sure
he knows Jesus. He served and risked sacrifice, for me and you...I
don't want him to miss the pleasures of the reward Jesus has for him.
I don't want him to spend the rest of his life, or eternity in that 'Hole'.
Father, I thank you for those who've risked so much for us, for those
who gave part of themselves and those who gave all. I want to be sure
that I offer the peace that knowing You can give. Give me the words,
the boldness, the heart to offer You. Forgive our grumbling, forgive our
sins. Help us to be forgiving. In the name of Jesus we pray.... Amen.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not
only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7,8 NIV
Steve _________________
© Steven Green 2003
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