Several months back, I posted about one of my neighbors, a seventy-ish black man who flew the American flag in front of his house at all times. Recently, I noticed that his flag was becoming tattered and faded. Apparently, he noticed it as well, because he took it down.
About a week ago, as I was walking around in the local Air Force Base Exchange, I happened to walk by the American flag display and a thought popped into my mind: “Mr. Leo needs a new flag.” So I bought him one.
I kept the new flag in the car in case of one of the frequent occasions that I would see Mr. Leo outside when coming out of the house on my way somewhere. Today was the day. I saw him, hailed him and told him that I had something for him.
When I handed him the flag, I saw something that I had never seen on Mr. Leo’s face: a very wide smile and barely-checked tears.
Giving is its own reward.
Am I feeling good about it? Oh, yes, but not because I gave, but because my giving made a difference, if only to bring forth that seldom-seen smile. Smiles are indications of deeper things in the long run.
That smile was a better gift than the flag.
Tsk! You see how you are? Sweet, thoughtful girl. Way to commit an act of kindness. Sharing your blessings again, I notice. Graceful
Posted by: teal marie | November 09, 2004 at 01:45 AM
Today is the eighth anniversary of my grandfather's death - I lived with him and he was the linchpin of our family - so I'm snivelling at everything today. This is the first thing that's actually made me cry happy tears. Thank you, Juliette!
Posted by: Ginger Liz | November 09, 2004 at 02:51 AM
Get! On! :)
Posted by: Carridine | November 09, 2004 at 05:14 AM
Doggone it, now my eyes are leaking... Good on you, J, for making his day!
Ginger Liz - my condolences on the loss of your grandfather... they tell us they're never really gone as long as someone remembers them, but that doesn't do much when you can't reach out and hug them.
Posted by: A Proud Veteran | November 09, 2004 at 06:06 AM
What a sweetheart you are! I'd love to have you as my neighbor. I'd even buy a flag for you.
Those of us who have neighbors who are in the military might want to do something nice for them on Thursday, which is Veterans' Day (I'm old enough that I still think of it as Armistice Day; I'll be bringing a six-pack of good beer to each of my two neighbors in the military).
Posted by: Silicon Valley Jim | November 09, 2004 at 09:21 AM
My daughter brought home a specific list of foods to buy for the troops for Thanksgiving. We bought two of everything & still have the nice warm glow that comes from giving.
It bothers me that the list included Spam Turkey & Easy Mac macaroni & cheese. Can't we do better than that for our troops?
Posted by: cube | November 09, 2004 at 09:27 AM
I knew there was a big, beautiful softie behind that butt kicking exterior! I love it.
Posted by: Val Prieto | November 09, 2004 at 09:45 AM
What a beautiful thing to do. It almost made me teary-eyed when I imagined the scene.
Posted by: Cerberus | November 09, 2004 at 10:37 AM
And you know, sweet-cheeks, that every military base I've ever been on, the dry cleaning place always displays a sign that they'll clean american flags for free.
So if you, your neighbor, or anyone you know has a washable flag that needs a cleaning, take it on base.
Later,
M
Posted by: Iron Mike | November 09, 2004 at 11:24 AM
That's My Baby!
How sweet and thoughtful.
I love you.
Ginger Liz,
My heart goes out to you. May God bless you.
Posted by: baldilocks' mom | November 09, 2004 at 01:18 PM
You are so right. Sometimes just knowing you made a difference makes a difference. And sometimes it's the simplest of gestures that does it.
As long as we all do what we can we all make it better, for another, for ourselves, for everyone.
Good job, Juliet. Rock on.
Posted by: Mamamontezz | November 09, 2004 at 01:33 PM
I felt silly about my tears until I read the other comments and realized I'm not alone. You make your mom proud.
Posted by: NY Mom | November 09, 2004 at 01:50 PM
My late father served in the navy in WWII. He would approve whole-heartedly, God bless you.
Posted by: grace | November 09, 2004 at 04:59 PM
Lovely story, Baldi. Thanks for sharing it - I'm going to post a link to it.
Posted by: The Anchoress | November 09, 2004 at 08:38 PM
Baldi, your post made my day. Thank you for your kindness.
Posted by: Greg | November 10, 2004 at 07:41 AM
I haven't commented here before, but I have been reading you blog for about a month. But this I couldn't let go without saying something.
That was such a beautiful thing to do. You are truly a good person.
Angel
Posted by: Angel | November 10, 2004 at 06:13 PM
Thanks Angel, but I'm just as flawed as the next person. But sometimes, when I have my "ears" open, I can hear Him.
Posted by: baldilocks | November 10, 2004 at 06:23 PM
You rock!
What a wonderful gift.
Posted by: Da Goddess | November 10, 2004 at 07:03 PM
Cube:
RE: Turkey Spam & Easy Mac...
I have always said that being in the military (specifically, being on a ship) was like being in prison, only the food isn't as good.
The only time the military eats decent food is the last two weeks of September. (end of the fiscal year)
Don't know what they call it in the other services, but the Navy has their own term for food that is not military issued and supplements, but does not replace, military chow: Geedunk.
Geedunk mostly comes out of a vending machine, but Easy Mac or, my favorite, ramen noodles, qualifies.
Posted by: Rob@L&R | November 17, 2004 at 01:30 PM