I had to take my dad to the VA Hospital this morning for a MRI. I just want to comment on the experience we had......

My dad is 76 years old. The people at the VA Hospital were so good to him first of all but the atmosphere around the hospital was something I (we) will never forget.

Men and woman (patients that were there for something) would walk by us and I think everyone looked at my dad and said "good morning" or "hi, how are you". Young and old it didn't matter.

We were walking out and this young man, I would say he was 30, was walking with us and started talking with my dad. The doctor had told him he needed to lose 20 pounds (to me he looked pretty good! ) Dad and him were laughing and created a bond immediately. When we got to my car my dad said "Korean War left my appendix (spell?) there". The man looked at dad and said "Gulf War left half my leg there". They shook hands, dad got into the car and the man went to his. I looked back at Dad and I saw a tear in his eyes - he just smiled at me.

One proud daughter One awsome Daddy!

that teared me up too Char, what a lovely post thank you

I agree. I'd be proud too.

Aww, Char, that made me cry, too. It just makes me happy to know that there are people in this crazy, rush-rush world we live in that will take the time, slow down and remember to say "hello" or "good morning" to others. I'm sure the patients at the VA have a special bond with one another and feel as though they share an experience that others just cannot comprehend. I'm glad your Dad met someone nice. I'd be proud of him, too.

Those of you who still have your Dad in your life.....cherish it. I wish I had just one more day with mine.........

AWWW!

Thank your Dad for me!

I spent a lot of time in VA hospitals with my Dad over the years. They were ALWAYS kind, even when the wait got to the patients and revolts started.

I also spent a lot of time volunteering at a VA hospital, writing letters, taking people for walks, talking, playing cards, etc.

If anyone has a VA hospital or a VA home near them, and you have some spare time, please please call volunteer services and ask them what you can do or what the service men and women need for recreational supplies or whatever. When you have to stay and you don't have anything going on it's SO easy to become depressed. It also gets very lonely for a lot of the patients who live too far for their families to visit often. It only takes a little time out of your day and it can mean so much to them!

I know what you mean Char. Everytime we go to the VA Jim and I always take time out to stop in and say a few words to the new younger vets and older one's we already know. Those guys and gals have a bond those of who aren't a vet will never get close to. Thank you dad for us.

That day we all met at Sonic a guy came up to Jim and thanked him for his service. It was very touching.

I remember how it moved Jim that day, I got the feeling sonics became a secondary thing after that young man, and rightfully so, we fly our red white and blue and Air Force flag everyday, and proud to do so


peace

my dad is not a man to be "moved" to say but I know he felt something with that younger vet. It certainly did me seeing them talk like that.

thank you for your kind words. I knew there would be poeple who would appreciate it.

Kelly, I am thankful everyday and pray that he is here for a while yet. I am not ready to let him go......

My hat's off to your dear dad. Thanks for sharing that special encounter, Char.

What a nice, heart warming story...Thanks for sharing..