5.29-Freedom on Memorial Day

5.29

“Freedom”

America on Memorial Day, 5.29.17

We went to see last week for our haircuts.  Kim escaped Viet Nam on a boat as a child but I think her mother and father remained there.  She escaped with an uncle and aunt.  She’s been in America for many years.  She owns her own hair style shop/barber shop.  She been experiencing some health challenges.  She had the idea that America was worse than communism in one way, health care. With a deeper conversation and reflection she admitted that there was something better about America than communist countries.  We could all go to the ER and eventually be seen and helped.  In communism they would leave you outside the hospital to die.  I asked her what she loved about America and her answer in one word,

 “Freedom”. 

Danny Dennis was the name we wanted to find at the Viet Nam memorial because he had been a friend of ours who died in the war.  We took a pencil and paper and etched his name from the wall on our paper as a special memento.  He had gone in with a desire to serve his nation.  He died in service to his country.  He never knew Kim, but his service helped her to get

 “Freedom.”

Walmart on Memorial day.   I picked up a discount salad and some other items.  Ray greeted me on the way out with a reminder to enjoy my Memorial Day and said,  “Let’s hope it doesn’t rain.” 

I said to him, “Do you have to work or get to work?”

“I am able to work.”

“Freedom”

J’s donuts.  Rufe Snow and Bursey in North Richland Hills Texas.  This small business is run by a couple who are Asian in appearance and Christian by their music. I went to get a couple of chocolate covered donuts as a special Memorial Day treat.  I have gone here on some Saturdays and birthdays and special days for the four years we have lived here.  The couple is working together and at times a grandchild is coloring a coloring book.  There is often Christian music playing.  I grabbed some change to pay with.  There was a man sitting there who was old enough to be a Veteran and had the look and attitude of someone happy to be out celebrating the day.  He wished me a good morning.  The check out lady,  wife and grandmother said, “How can I help you?”

“Two chocolate covered donuts.”

She handed me a bag with two chocolate covered donuts and for free she threw in several donut holes which she knew was a favorite of ours.

 “$1.40”

I held out my hand with the total of $1.34.  She said, “No, problem, bring six cents extra next time.”

I said, “Okay, but I would like to share a little extra with you also.”  I put a dollar in her tip jar and she smiled a big smile.  Her husband working in the back greeted me upon my leaving with a rowdy, “Thank you. Come back.”

The man sitting at the table watching all this.  I said to him.  “You can’t outgive these people.  I’ll be back and she will have forgotten the six cents and will give me extra donut holes.”

“Yes, I know.” He said.

“Freedom.”

John 8.

³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Larry Wishard

5.29.17