Most days when we wake up and go to our respective jobs, we do not think that what we do may have an impact on anyone's life. This is especially true, when what you do is make cookie cakes as a job. I work part time at a cookie store in the mall, on any given day I make cookies, cakes, and do customer service. Most of these days I can honestly say people walk through the line, buy their cookies, and will never think of me again. Today, I may have made an impression on someone that will last his lifetime.
When I arrived at work this morning, I began my regular chores of putting out cookies and other prep work. Then, it came time to make the cake that we sell by the slice. I pondered for a moment of what to make, then decided to make a cake to honor Veteran's Day. I made a cake with a ribbon that had blue and red stars on it. Just as I had finished the cake, the elderly people that eat together in the food court everyday, began to arrive. One elderly man was dressed in his Army best. From the distance he looked well put together and I could see his pride beaming across his face, all I could do was smile at how cute he was.
The lady I worked with saw my cake and decided we should give it to him and his fellow veteran friends. Our boss agreed, so she boxed the cake up and took it to his table. The table was a probably 50 feet away and my eyes are failing me, but I could still tell what was going on. She walked up to the gentleman in his Army attire, he stood up, and she spoke to him. As she spoke telling him how we appreciated his service as well as the service of his friends. At first he was standing tall, like you see the soldiers standing in roll call. Then he became less rigid and I could see his hand shaking, he opened the cake box, and saw the ribbon and began to cry. He asked her to let him pay for it and she replied it was a gift from us to them. When she came back in she stood there and cried, in turn I began to cry. Who would have thought the simple act of a cookie cake could bring people to tears. Of course, it was not the cake, but the meaning behind the cake. Most soldiers, especially the ones from World War I, World II, and Vietnam, have felt forgotten; have felt like we as a country do not appreciate or recoginze the sacrafices they made. These soldiers were injured; they watched death and destruction, that to this very day haunts their dreams. They lost family and friends, some of which they held in their arms as they took their last breaths. These soldiers have carried their burdens with them for decades and all along feeling as though what they did, mattered to no one. This eighty year old man, realized in that moment that he mattered, his time and sacrafices mattered; at least to someone.
When their meal was complete the man walked up to the counter and smiled at me, he knew I had decorated the cake. He then said, "Thank you so much". I told him he was welcome and I thanked him for his dedication to his country. His wife stood beside him and whispered, "Thank you sweetie." They walked away, and I took in that moment. What appeared to be a perfect outfit from the 50 feet away, had turned in to old Army attire. He was obviously bigger now than when he was a young man. He had used rubber bands to hold the jacket closed and I could smell the musky old scent the closthes had obtained over the years. Yet, this man stood as tall as he could and walked with his head held high. No matter the age of his clothes or the age of his body, the pride in his country will never grow old. I imagined as he had looked at me, what those eyes may have seen and knew whatever it was, I am sure it was life changing.
I just want to say Thank You to all of you who are or have served our Country. I want you to know that your scarafices are appreciated and that we will forever be grateful. Those of you who have seen war, past or present, I say you are the bravest of the brave. The courage it takes to face the horror of War is that of an incredible warrior. You all amaze me and I cannot imagine how you do it. Once again, thank you all so very much. I hope everyday is Veteran's Day for you all. God Bless and Best Wishes.
