Matthew and the Soldier

well…it went something like this…. Matthew and I were on our way back to the car after the welcoming home ceremonies, when the director from a local tv program stopped us and asked if Matthew wanted to help interview a soldier. What a thing to ask a seven year old boy, of course!!!…. well…He, whom incidentally, we had been sharing things with all morning, handed Matthew his camera and prompted him on a few questions to ask.. Ok..say “Sir, what do you think about the events of today?”… to which Matthew relayed… “ok..so…whaddaya think about the events of today?’ the Soldier answered in a very affirmative way, praising the job the troops had done in Iraq. Stating he was very proud of them. then the director told him to ask another questions, prefacing it again with “sir”… which Matthew still didn’t pick up on… I didn’t either… until I looked at the name plate of this gracious and patient Soldier…”Speed” it said… and then… Oh my gosh… it came to me… yeah… he’s…. he’s…. Brigadier General Frank Speed… Commander… instantly i whispered with much more urgency now…”Matthew… say SIR!”…. !!!! to which my wide eyed boy said, as he handed the camera back…”What’s the matter mom? we’re done…”…. ah… to be young again… so many rules… so many things to remember…. <sigh>. It did however, allow me to let General Speed know what we were doing on AFR and withChaplain Williams on saturday morning…We’re live, and “telling the soldier’s story”…. about the incredible things God is doing in and through the troops in Iraq. The usual “media tension” left his face, and his expression softened as he said: “Thank you for what you’re doing; each one of those soldiers has a story. We appreciate your support. Keep up the good work.”… I handed him my card, he was gracious enough to get a picture with Matthew, and as I shook his hand, I said “thank you” once again.  Then several moments later… we started to leave, and I have to admit, I felt a sense of pride, and maybe honor, when I looked up and saw General Speed several yards in front of me, strolling slowly as he made his way back to the armory,  he was glancing at my card again! most would have just stuck it in their pocket and gone on…it brought a smile to my heart; and as I saw him walk, he seemed to have a heavy burden upon his shoulders, perhaps the weight of the hearts of all these soldiers andtheir families… or maybe,  he was thinking about the ones who didn’t make it back… as I did upon occasion that morning…. My heart grieves for those families without their loved ones… and overflows with gratitude and pride for those families represented here this morning… all of them. Thank you. And thank you to those who stayed at home… and made their job easier just by being there.  Our military is made up of some very fine men and women. And I was proud to be among some of the finest on this hot and balmy Alabama morn.