of life, free time, weekends without obligation, precious time spent with family, and one’s personal dreams for discipline and duty. She tried to imagine what it was like to come home with a disability, or to be the son of a dad who might feel no longer whole.
They were halfway up the path to the dorm before he broke the silence. “Thanks for not saying it.”
“Saying what?”
“That could happen to me, or worse. To die in action, the way Tim did.” His throat worked, the only sign of the wound he held in secret. “Every time a soldier goes on a mission or follows an order, he does so knowing the ultimate price.”
They had reached the front door, where light spilled from the portico like rain. She faced him, searching for the truth he held back, for the truth she could sense. She tried to imagine his brand of courage. “So why do you do it?”
“Because someone has to.”
She saw it in his very essence, in his character and in his honor. How could her first impression of him have been so wrong? He was no ordinary man. He was a rare individual who lived his principles, and in doing so went beyond what was safe.
“Believe me, I know the risk. When I signed up I thought I was going to learn to be tough and brave. To really find out who I was. Well, I did figure out the man I am. I don’t run from a fight, but I don’t go looking for one, either. I’ve seen what happens when people have no rights and freedom, and others no conscience or no compassion.”
She thought of the terrible stories on the international news, where foreign correspondents spoke of genocide and violence. She thought of the threats this nation had endured. Infinite respect for this man brimmed over, leaving tears stinging in her eyes and heavy in her soul. “You stand and fight for us all.”
“When I have to. You don’t realize how precious our personal freedoms are. I’ve seen lands where people have none. The things I have seen—”
She forgot to breathe as he towered before her, all six feet plus of him. He radiated immeasurable commitment and sorrow. He bore wounds from his fighting, deeper ones that were not visible, but she saw them.
“I’ve seen evil and what it can do.” He remained soldier straight, soldier strong. “What you have here is precious. Having the freedom to attend college, choose your course of study and vocation. It’s idyllic. This is everything I work to defend. It’s why I face the fire. I’m going in for another four years so my family can live safe. So everyone’s family can, too.”
How could she not respect this man? How could she not admire him without end or caution? She could not keep a careful distance between them. She could not stay in denial. Not anymore.
“It’s why my brother died. He understood. He wanted me to carry on for him, for both of us. It’s what I intend to do. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” She shifted her weight on her crutches, looking down at the damp cement, so that he could not guess how much she thought of him. “My life now feels very small in comparison.”
“No, that’s not what I want you to feel.” Lines dug into his forehead. “That’s not why I said all of this.”
“I know. I should be doing more. Giving more.” Her life had become so focused on getting her degree. There were tests, papers, research projects and work, all with demands and deadlines. It had consumed her. “I volunteer at church, but it’s not enough.”
“You’re wrong.” He swiped the pad of his thumbacross her cheek, catching a drop of rain wet on her skin. “You do a lot in your own way. Look at how you’ve helped my sister and, I’m sure, every other freshman on your floor.”
“It’s not saving the world.” She thought of all he had given. “It’s so small.”
“No, you’re wrong. Kindness is what makes the difference in this world. I’m surprised at you, Lexie.” He cradled her chin in his hand. “Don’t you read your Bible?”
“Y-you know I
They were halfway up the path to the dorm before he broke the silence. “Thanks for not saying it.”
“Saying what?”
“That could happen to me, or worse. To die in action, the way Tim did.” His throat worked, the only sign of the wound he held in secret. “Every time a soldier goes on a mission or follows an order, he does so knowing the ultimate price.”
They had reached the front door, where light spilled from the portico like rain. She faced him, searching for the truth he held back, for the truth she could sense. She tried to imagine his brand of courage. “So why do you do it?”
“Because someone has to.”
She saw it in his very essence, in his character and in his honor. How could her first impression of him have been so wrong? He was no ordinary man. He was a rare individual who lived his principles, and in doing so went beyond what was safe.
“Believe me, I know the risk. When I signed up I thought I was going to learn to be tough and brave. To really find out who I was. Well, I did figure out the man I am. I don’t run from a fight, but I don’t go looking for one, either. I’ve seen what happens when people have no rights and freedom, and others no conscience or no compassion.”
She thought of the terrible stories on the international news, where foreign correspondents spoke of genocide and violence. She thought of the threats this nation had endured. Infinite respect for this man brimmed over, leaving tears stinging in her eyes and heavy in her soul. “You stand and fight for us all.”
“When I have to. You don’t realize how precious our personal freedoms are. I’ve seen lands where people have none. The things I have seen—”
She forgot to breathe as he towered before her, all six feet plus of him. He radiated immeasurable commitment and sorrow. He bore wounds from his fighting, deeper ones that were not visible, but she saw them.
“I’ve seen evil and what it can do.” He remained soldier straight, soldier strong. “What you have here is precious. Having the freedom to attend college, choose your course of study and vocation. It’s idyllic. This is everything I work to defend. It’s why I face the fire. I’m going in for another four years so my family can live safe. So everyone’s family can, too.”
How could she not respect this man? How could she not admire him without end or caution? She could not keep a careful distance between them. She could not stay in denial. Not anymore.
“It’s why my brother died. He understood. He wanted me to carry on for him, for both of us. It’s what I intend to do. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” She shifted her weight on her crutches, looking down at the damp cement, so that he could not guess how much she thought of him. “My life now feels very small in comparison.”
“No, that’s not what I want you to feel.” Lines dug into his forehead. “That’s not why I said all of this.”
“I know. I should be doing more. Giving more.” Her life had become so focused on getting her degree. There were tests, papers, research projects and work, all with demands and deadlines. It had consumed her. “I volunteer at church, but it’s not enough.”
“You’re wrong.” He swiped the pad of his thumbacross her cheek, catching a drop of rain wet on her skin. “You do a lot in your own way. Look at how you’ve helped my sister and, I’m sure, every other freshman on your floor.”
“It’s not saving the world.” She thought of all he had given. “It’s so small.”
“No, you’re wrong. Kindness is what makes the difference in this world. I’m surprised at you, Lexie.” He cradled her chin in his hand. “Don’t you read your Bible?”
“Y-you know I
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