Randomly Tonia

There are news or feature stories that are tough to write, some are technical and every detail is important. It is crucial to explain hard-to-understand facts in an easy-to-understand way. Some news stories point out missed opportunities or even failures that are hard to read and can ignite tension. Some are sad stories that few want to share, but they must be told for future generations.

Of course, there are news or feature stories that are easy to tell. These are usually entertaining and informative and rarely cause a stir. Often these are the stories that unite and make people proud to be a part of something bigger.

But this week I have been honored by the chance to write the kind of story that is humbling and heart-lifting, the story of a hero.

This week, I have been granted the opportunity to listen to, and share, the stories of two United States veterans, and I feel blessed to do so.

In enlisting, these men gave the gift of their presence, their efforts, their youth, their time and they faced the reality that the time they gave might have been their last moments.

In telling their stories, they gave another gift to me. I heard and saw from each of them something that comes from who they are more than from what they did.

In one, a World War II veteran, I saw a sense of humor that belied all he had seen and been through. He continues on today, at 94 years of age, with a twinkle in his eye and true joy in his heart – and that is a gift that he passed on to his children.

In the second veteran, a submariner who was active during the Cold War and Viet Nam, I saw the sense of adventure in a young man’s dreams through his eyes and I was humbled yet again to learn how God’s grace and love is given freely to everyone.

Their stories have not been lost to the conflict from which they arise, nor have they been lost to time. Instead, they have been shared for others to read, and these stories will now be added to thousands more in history.

It is yet another gift these men give, and I am honored and humbled to help them share it.

Thank you, to every veteran, for all the gifts you have given and for telling your story so that no hero be forgotten.