A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were waiting in line at an Arby’s in Sun City to get a quick meal.
The line had eight people when I noticed an older man wearing a baseball cap that said “Marines” on the back. He and what looked like his wife were searching their pockets for change. They wanted to buy the $6 Special with two fish sandwiches.
When they got to the counter, I saw the man holding just a little more than $6 in shaking hands. I said sorry to the people in front of me and went to the counter. Some people complained that I was cutting the line, but my wife, who stayed seated, quietly said, “Look.”
The man put his order for two fish sandwiches and two waters on the counter. He was about to push the change forward when I touched his shoulder and said, “Semper Fi, Marine. Thank you for your service. This one’s on me.”
I gave the cashier $20 and told her to start the order over. The man looked at me and said, “Do or Die!” I helped him add milkshakes, fries, and a couple of pastries for dessert. Both men had tears in their eyes as they walked to a table, and many people I passed in line were tearing up too—except for two big bikers in front of us who said their eyes watered because of allergies.
When we got our food, we went to the dining area, where the older couple made room for us at their table. What was meant to be a quick dinner turned into a long hour and a half talk.
I learned that when he was 19, he fought at Saipan and Iwo Jima, and got a Purple Heart for both.
For me, some days life couldn’t feel more beautiful.