His name is Ralph. He and his bride of over 60 years tottered into the McDonalds to get their morning coffee and breakfast. He wore a navy WWII Veteran cap proudly and they slid into the booth behind us.We were visiting family in another state and had stopped by for a quick breakfast before seeing the grandchildren.
When Honeybuns got up to get something from the counter and Mrs. Ralph went to order coffee I moved to their booth and sat down by this very elderly gentleman. I commented on his hat and asked where he'd served in the war. His eyes lit up, he sat up straight and began his tale.
He was only 17 when he enlisted, he and his brother left the states at the same time. Little did they know they wouldn't see each other for 4 years and that reunion would take place on the battle field. He was stationed in Europe and was one of 4 young bucks selected for special service when so many other young soldiers lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge. He and his friends were chosen to replace the dead in one unit.
It was his turn to ask me questions after I related that my uncle was in that battle as a tank driver, who came home complaining about how very cold it was and that he'd experienced frost bite on his feet. I told him of my Father and three Uncles serving in Europe at the same time. He expressed thanks that they all made it home alive. Many of his friends did not. More stories.
Ralph told of his reunion with his brother....a wonderful chance meeting in what he described as hell. Amazing.
At one point Ralph was shipped to the Philippines to engage in the battle there. He'd served in both theaters.
More stories and a few tears as he remembered things he vowed to forget.
Mrs. Ralph returned smiling, "Is he entertaining you?" She and Honeybuns joined the conversation. It was hard to leave them, but after handshakes and a few "thank you for your service" we said goodbye.
What a treasure! What a delightful encounter!
Ralph and his buddies will all be gone soon, their stories, their smiles and their tears will no longer be seen at the local McDonalds. We're so very glad we met them and were able to share a few minutes of humanity. We'll never see them again, but we all will remember that visit.
Wonderful things happen......when we put down our phones.
