My Solider

Have you ever "connected" with someone you've just met? I mean, you meet someone and you feel like you've known him or her before, perhaps in some other lifetime? A feeling that gnaws at the back of your mind...or your heart...

A few months ago a young man dressed in military garb showed up at my window over at Wilbur. I slid the glass over to the left and looked up at him. There he stood, smiling from ear to ear. And what I smile, too--right from the heart. It was right then and there we connected--that smile did it. He had recently returned from deployment, back safe and sound (as sound as one can be after a tour like that one). During our first meeting I thanked him for his service to our country, as I do with any person that is obviously military or wears a cap indicating such. I told him that I had grown up military and therefore anyone serving our country or who has served, is a hero to me.

"Now, how may I help you?" I asked as he leaned closer to the window. "Well, m'am," he answered. "I'd like some fudge, please." We talked in between deciding which flavors he wanted and with every sentence I just became more enamored. THIS was the son I always dreamed of having--he was just perfect; handsome, tall, sturdy, well-spoken and clearly quite intelligent. But most of all, he was just adorable.

Scott (I just found out his name a month ago) returns to this area every few months and never forgets to stop in say hi. I don't mind telling you that I look forward to his visits. The last time he showed up he had brought along his friends, introducing them to me and giving them a little tour of Wilbur. It was how he introduced me to them that struck me; he had a certain tone in his voice that made me feel like a million bucks.

Today as I returned from lunch one of my coworkers whispered in my ear, "Hey, there's a good-looking soldier looking for you! I think he's out in the store. You'd better catch him." "Scott!!!" I told her, "my soldier!" and took off.

There he was, scanning through a copy of my book. "Hey, you should buy that book, it's really good," I kidded with him, smiling. "Hi! Hey, I didn't know you did this!" "Ah, yeah, well..." Then we slipped into conversation immediately, talking quickly, knowing that we both had little time.
But today--well, today I nervously took a little more time than I should have, hoping to learn a little more about him. And I did. In fact, I learned that he is in the Intelligence section of our military, just like my dad was -- I knew I liked this kid. He told me about his dad, his mom, a little snipet of his childhood, and even shared his vision of his future. I wished I could have heard more but I knew I HAD to get back to work. At that moment a customer walked up to him and begin an inquisition about the uniform Scott had on. I touched his arm and told him I had to get back to work and to stop back to see me before he left.

A few moments later he appeared at my window again, that cute grin on his face. "Gotta get my pound of fudge before I go," he told me. I loaded the gooey stuff into a box and handed it to him. "I hope you and your dad can make it back here for the Chocolate Walk," I said. "Me, too," he admitted. "We'll do our best!" With that, he turned and was gone. I stood there, shaking my head and smiling. What a sweet guy... I hope I get a chance to meet his dad, to tell him what a fine son he has raised.