At the pharmacy, on a military base, in the summer, just before the
end of the month, it’s really crowded.
Is
there a squadron just coming back from overseas, or is one getting ready to head out? In front of me at the refill window, sporting a buzz cut, with T-shirt taut
against a v-cut back and bulging biceps, calf muscles bulging beneath the legs
of his jeans, the Marine is the image of health, fitness and strength. Behind me is an older gentleman, perhaps in his eighties. He is tall, and he looks to be in
good health at a glance, though he pitches forward slightly and has a bit of a slow, slightly staggering gait. He asks
if I am in line. As I glance up and reply, I notice his decorated ball cap. Without wanting to do a double take, I think,
“Did it say Vietnam Veteran”? I am
struck by the contrast of the man ahead and the man behind me. As if looking at black and white photos
of my handsome uncles in their 20s, my mind quickly flits to a vision of this older man as a strapping youngster with his tone showing through his T-shirt, like
the man ahead of me. Both deserving
respect and admiration for service to their country, I’m sure the young man when in uniform gets
it. I ask the man behind me if he’d like
to go ahead of me. He barely indicates
‘yes’, but moves ahead, not offering gratitude, confusion, or need. I’m not offended. It occurs to me that his energy is being
spent on this outing, and he needn’t waste any on acknowledging me. If I had all the time in the world, and a bit more courage, I would have loved to
ask him about his service, proudly displayed on his cap, with Veteran neatly
stitched in the Navy gold lettering that stands out so well on a navy blue
cap.
The woman behind the counter tells him that it is a forty-five minute to
an hour wait. Perhaps she is struck by
the same contrast in her customers that struck me. She offers that he can go do something and
come back. He says he’ll wait, but says
to the air as he turns, ...if there is a seat.
There is a seat, at the far end of the waiting room. So with his slow, slightly staggering gait he
heads that way. I don’t have the
authority to make anyone nearer get up.
7/29/10
