The title of this post, 'Opening a Door for Another' actually is an idea and or a gesture I myself was raised to do upon egress of a building that requires a door which in turn facilitates not only me but the recipients entrance or exit. The simple trick here is to hold the door open, it is very easy to accomplish and as such requiring little effort.
Now I have seen society lose this gesture of common courtesy over time but must say I have to rely on my upbringing in doing just that, opening the door for another, as it has in the past been a source of excellent conversation with complete strangers or just a simple Thank You with or from whom I have held that door. This is instant gratification on both parts that does not cost a dime nor will not leave the mind at least for the rest of that day on both, all on a simple gesture of opening and holding a door for another.
Back to Wednesday. I completed my monetary transaction with the store clerk and proceeded to the door. Now the door itself was glass and was covered with all sort of advertising so all I could see on the other side was approaching feet if one were to be on the other side of the door. Well I did see feet, well boots actually and camouflage pants. Neither of these are unusual around here in Michigan with winter snow, hunters and wannabe gangstas so I was somewhat cautious to opening that door considering the latter.
Throwing caution to the wind (lots of people around) and I did have to leave I did open that door and held it firmly for the one entering.
You might ask why I say "firmly"?
I am told that I have a rather deep and loud voice so when I believe it is appropriate to speak up I am also usually told to stop yelling. I do not yell, I speak clearly and did so at this point by saying; "Merry Christmas and Thank You for Serving"!
The gesture on my part and my apparent message and voice were not lost on this soldier, she responded in kind with; "Merry Christmas to you and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT"!
All the people inside and outside the store could not help but hear our exchange of pleasantries and of this I am pleased.
Thank our Military every chance you get! I would say in my experience in doing so that 100% of the time a response is indeed forthcoming (not expected or required) and it is not only mind-blowing in that it swells you with pride but it also sticks with you as I am about to explain.
To my total, and I mean total utter surprise all four Marines stopped in their tracks as though on cue, stood to attention and SALUTED ME BACK!
At that very moment those four fabulous Marines made me feel like the tallest person on Earth!
Now being in an airport there were many to witness this, it did not last long mind you and no words were exchanged, drop, snap and move along but the applause from the surrounding traveler's was absolutely thunderous and it was not for me obviously. As I stated above, this event was not lost on me. That was in 1987 and I relive that very proud moment in my mind as though it just happened yesterday, everyday, it has not nor ever will leave my memory.
I am no one special but I am an American, but these Marines and the Army Soldier mentioned above already know this and this is why they serve. Together, all of us are exceptional! By saluting or thanking our Military we are metaphorically opening a door, a door to appreciation that goes both ways.
Yes, Thank our Military everyday, it will not only make their day but most assuredly yours as well!
A Very Merry Christmas to all our Military and families and a very sincere Thank You!
30 comments:
You are a good Man, I salute you.
I try to be and thank you :)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy days.
Right back attcha Chris! 8-)
HI Christopher! You ARE someone very special! What an inspiring post. I'm sure all the servicemen & women you've been so kind to remember you as well.
I hope you and the family had the Best Christmas Ever.
Yes, imagine being away from home and your family this time of year. There is no way to repay these folks, but we can try.
Merry Christmas Bunni! :) :) :)
I sincerely enjoyed that interaction with a US Soldier so that I wanted to share. I appreciate your words and am very humbled by them, but again I am no one but a simple American just like you. It is they that serve that are awesome!!!!
Blessed be our troops and may God Himself look over them!
Merry Christmas Kid!
Well said and well meaning Sir! As Patriots it is indeed our duty!
Nice Story Christopher. We got our respect back after the first gulf war, but things really changed for us after 9/11. I never really got a lot of thank you's while in uniform because I live in a military town. We'd all be thanking each other!
I do know the troops appreciate the support. I was stationed in the Middle East for a year back in 2005. I had to fly all over: Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Everywhere, every little pax terminal, there were tables of books, food and all kinds of goodies from patriotic Americans. This was 3 years after the Afghanistan invasion and almost two years after we went into Iraq. Especially heartwarming were the banners, letters and pictures from school kids posted on the walls.
Well Silver they are my stories but remain the truth and I must add that I Thank You for your Service!
Only you and others that have served can speak of actual sacrifice and I have no intention to portend otherwise, this is just to say thank you, and you Sir have given great cause to that effort!
Merry Christmas and God Bless! 8-)
luv the post Chris :) I salute u as well~ Warmest holiday greetings my friend~! (hugsss)
Angel,,, Like Silver below..All thanks too you! :)
There are no words really, so as I was raised I Salute
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanuka!
Great post! Very touching
Thank you Trestin :)
You are so sweet!
Well put young man!
Well Thank you Supi :) I have on occasion been accused of that before ;)
Thank you Odie for the compliment and most definitely for your service! 8-)
Our measly UK Government squeaks on about 'support our troops' but forbids us from sending anonymous gift boxes to "a serviceperson in Afghanistan' because it is all "too complicated". Instead we are expected to contribute to fake charities which will use any such funds to offset their own stingines in supporting troops as they should be.
I remember as a child when Wimmns Lib was all the rage determining to no longer open doors for ladies because "if they want equality they can blooming well have it". Fifty years on I still find this very hard not to do. In the same way I am aware that the lack of "please" and "thank you" from many of the foreign students in my city is not impoliteness as such; it is because those words do not occur in their native vocabulary. I find it hard not to say "thank you" after being denied a "please" but so sometimes manage "Please is nice" followed by an expalnation where appropriate.
What is the logo between the USAF and Coast Guard?
Great post.
Cheers Banned,,,As to the gift boxws that is a crying shame! >:o As to the manners we are much the same 8-) and the emblem to which you inquire is that of the U.S. Marine Corp.
I have added here a cleare picture,,,,,,click to enlarge.
Thank you Chris. :)
Good post. It'll keep me smilin' for at least a little while!
Excellent post! Opening the door in our lives and for others is very important. This can be done in many ways.
Ta for that, our Royal Marines are part of the Navy while our Coastguards are civilians.
Thank Inno 8-) Your response is exactly the reason for this post :)
Thanks Inno :) Your response is exactly the reason for this post 8-) If all of us keep opening those doors the smiles will last and catch on!
Thank you Teresa and you are so very astute in your observation 8-)
I speak of the Military here but this works many ways with many thoughts all in the idea of mutual respect! :)
Bless them both Banned! 8-)
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