1/14/12

Words are powerful weapons- use them wisely. (And when using them for good? Use as often as you can...)


I had an incredible opportunity to visit an old friend of mine in Chicago this weekend.  (I’m pretty sure you know what I’m talking about…)  While I’m not  ready to talk about the details, I have GOT to share this story.



I took a small plane  to return from Chicago to Washington/Dulles airport.  (Which is conveniently close to OREGON.)  The flight filled with young men who were obviously members of the United States Army.  Being a Navy brat, I am always incredibly honored to be in the presence of boys, girls, women and men who offer their LIVES in service to our country.  Honestly.  Every time I see a soldier I am humbled beyond belief-I can’t explain it.

We boarded the plane, and I found myself sitting alone at the rear of the plane with the young, jovial servicemen surrounding me.   I listened to their humorous banter, and couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Some of the boys noticed, and began taking turns sitting next to me, engaging in fun, wonderful conversations!   While several of them insisted on buying me cocktails, I reminded them that it was 9:00 a.m., and MOST people didn’t enjoy cocktails that early.


I had a lovely flight, and thanked God for incredible young people like these fellows who not only committed their lives to their country, but who smiled and laughed with this particular kindergarten teacher.


Our plane landed and we all scrambled to make a mad dash to the terminal where our next flights were waiting.   I made my way to the shuttle that was to take me to the proper terminal for my next flight.

Imagine my surprise when I walked onto the shuttle and saw the same army men from my previous flight!  They saw me board the shuttle, pointed to me and said smiling,  “Hey! We were all just talking about you!” 


I smiled and laughed. We visited a bit, and at one point one young man pointed to my shiny red Dansko’s shoes. “Those shoes are awesome.”

I smiled, and told them that my daughter, who worked at a kick-@$$ shoe store,  had given me them for my birthday.

“Daughter? You can NOT have a daughter old enough to buy you those shoes!” one of the young men said emphatically. 


I smiled.  “How old do you think I am?” I asked them.


They shouted numbers like 30, 40, 42, 43 and other glorious numbers that I have not uttered in YEARS.

 

“Guys,” I said smiling, “I am,” and I held up one hand that said FIVE and another that said TWO.”


Each of them, all SEVEN of them uttered shouts of disbelief. (And that lifted me MORE than you know!)


“Oh my GOD!” one of them said, “You are NOT FIFTY-TWO!”



The rest of the ride was spent convincing them I was, and then we smiled as we parted ways. 


We all ran to our prospective terminals, and I couldn’t stop laughing as I thought of how proud their parents must be of them.


I was startled when I heard someone shout “Hey!!  Hey Vodka!” and turned to see one of the young men (who I remember looking at me intently) come running towards me. I stood up, worried that something might be wrong!


“Hi,” he said breathlessly, “ I just wanted to say something.” 


I looked at him smiling.


“You are the best looking fifty-two year old woman I have EVER MET!”   He smiled and winked at me. “I just wanted to tell you that.”




He turned and ran for his flight before I had a chance to thank him.  





And that makes me sad.  Cause I would LOVE to have gotten his mother’s address to send her a thank- you card.   




She raised one HELL of a son.






32 comments:

Actuary Mom said...

AMAZING. That deserved all caps.

Winter's Mama said...

That IS a good story. But you know we want to hear about the Chicago part...and won't leave you alone until you spill it!

Vodka Mom said...

i'm almost ready. ALMOST. (And it was INCREDIBLE.)

Kathy's Klothesline said...

His mom would have been so happy to hear this story! Nothing makes me feel so proud as a story about one of my children. Well, hearing a young man tell me how young and pretty I am would be up there, too.

ChiTown Girl said...

OK, first of all, WTF?! You were in CHICAGO, and we didn't meet up?!?!

If you were meeting up with who I think you were, woo hoo!! But, still!!! You couldn't spare 5 minutes!!!?

Ok, whiny rant over. Those boys were really something. I'm so glad you were able to spend all that time with them, getting the special treatment you DESERVE!!

Now, I swear to GOD, if you ever come here again without calling me, I'm gonna bust a kneecap!

lisahgolden said...

This story made my night.

xoxo

Brian Miller said...

smiles....sounds like you had a great trip VM...sounds like some good boys there for sure...honest and...smiles...

Joanna Jenkins said...

Love this post!!!! Those guys are awesome on so many levels and I'm glad you were all on the plane together.

xoxo jj

Jenny Hart Boren said...

Never underestimate the power of flattery! (When it comes from a lovely herd of young men even better!)

http://jennyhartboren.blogspot.com/2012/01/old-gray-mare-just-aint-what-she-used.html

rural rebel riot girl said...

It's because the kids keep you young! I teach college students who are always surprised when I have a son as old as they are. It's flattering and can make you feel better. Cheers to you!

Sara J. Henry said...

What a great story! When I still considered myself pretty young (I was barely 40) a friend's 15-year-old son told me I was the cutest old person he knew. Which I took as a supreme compliment.

Anonymous said...

I must still be a little weepy from an amazing video I just watched about a former classmate who donated part of his liver to his son. After reading this post tears streaming down my face. How wonderful for you. Write it down oh wait you alreay did. Visit this post whenever you are feeling down!
And please please update us on your trip! =)

Anonymous said...

Wowee! If the destination was anything as good as the journey . . . can't wait to hear about it . . .Oh yeah, you are still working on how to tell us . . . This teaser was a great ploy to keep us in suspense . . . glad you made the trip, no matter how the meeting went . . .
faithful follower

Scope said...

Sounds like the boys on the flight home were picking up a "happy vibe" from your visit to our fair city.

And hopefully this will not be your last visit, either. (I know YOU KNOW what I'm talking about with flying 50% of the way across the country for a "special weekend") If you are in need of a chaperon while in Chicago, I know just the nanny for the job! :-)

Gina said...

Lucky you! We fifty year olds don't have that happen very often, or ever! Hope you enjoyed my home town of 50 years! Sounds like you did.

Sue said...

Good, well deserved karma coming back to you!! We are only as old as we feel. And when we believe in that, I have a gut feeling that it shows on the outside as well!!

Take care,
Sue

Ellie Mae said...

Smiles!! So happy these young men made your day/week! It's wonderful to hear positive stories about young people.

K Dubs said...

What a fabulous way to start your trip - I hope the rest was just as good! His momma done good :)

Adie said...

wow what a wonderful bunch of guys!

jb said...

Just made my night thank-you for sharing this. Have a wonderful week-end. So you know 52 is the new 42 so Vodka!! you rock and that boy has a great mom.

Huggs,
JB

Smart Mouth Broad said...

I love it! And they are right, of course.

Anonymous said...

How lovely! I am sure they made you feel a million dollars!
The younger generation are often portrayed with negativity, it's nice to read the opposite!

Dawn said...

LOVE it!!! Can't wait to hear the destination story as well!

#1Nana said...

Lovely!

That Janie Girl said...

Made my night, woman! And he's right!

Love ya. You good looking heifer, you.

Sherri said...

Yayyy!!! I'm so happy for you!

(((HUGS)))

Lucia said...

That brought a tear to my eye!
I met some paratroopers when I was in Fort Drum, NY. I was visiting from Toronto, where I work and reside! I They were so polite and fun! I'm sorry I never kept up writing to them. I hope they are well wherever they are!

Angela said...

Vodka Mom, you are awesome, and I'm so glad you received confirmation of that. Hope you had a wonderful trip and visit with your "old friend", I hope a few details will be forthcoming.

phsymom said...

Sounds like a terrific trip and it is always a lift to the spirit when you receive compliments from others. Especially about looking younger.

A Speckled Trout said...

I found you via An Inch of Gray. I always admire your lovely comments to Anna. You are a joy to read and this one............oh to the my.

Shannon said...

Love it Love it Love it!

Cora said...

Wait. Wait! YOU were in Chicago and you didn't tell ME?! I'm trusting you had a really, REALLY good reason! ;-) Can't wait to hear the story!