Today was an insanely busy day wherin I almost didn’t make it to the airport then my flight was delayed. Realizing I hadn’t eaten, I stopped at the airport bar for a burger and a drink. I sat where I usually sit and soon realized that I was surrounded by veterans–all there due to flight delays. In 90 seconds, introvert me was deep in the conversation that had started before I arrived, uncharacteristically talking loudly enough to be heard across the bar (because in familiar fashion, we’d all left a couple empty seats between us).
Feeling of community
It was a lovely feeling of community in and of itself, but then one guy (with a beard rivaling Santa’s) had to leave, but first he came over and offered me, not the usual bone-crushing eye-locking handshake (this is The Untaught Way, in case you aren’t aware), but a genuinely warm hug. He told me that he doesn’t normally tell other vets “thank you for your service” but he wanted to tell me. We laughed about the awkwardness we feel when people say that and memories of a thousand hours of research and soul-searching went through my mind. But he wasn’t done. “A fellow service member once gifted me with the perfect response. He said when people thank you for your service, respond by saying, ‘You’re worth it.’ “
I got shivers and smol tears. I was stunned. It’s the only response that has ever resonated. I’ve literally spent YEARS discussing this situation with vets in my classes, and never once did we even get close to this sentiment.
The Power of Connection
I’m pretty sure that moment at the airport changed my life. I can’t quite articulate how, but I feel it. Community and moments, my people. They’re there if we dare to engage.