85 Comments
User's avatar
Gayle's avatar

Sean, thank you for sharing Carole’s story. Through your example others find ways to shine light into the world. Thank you Carole for sharing your family’s story of the greatest generation.

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

The greatest gift we can receive

is received after we give

all, for all that we believe

that in Christ's bosom we may live

on that careworn three-crossed hill

and know the depth of sacrifice

that He offered them, and still

gives every day that we may splice

our souls unto His very own,

and live in Him and He through us,

but only giving makes Him known,

and through sacrifice it's thus

that in a mirror's shining grace

we may look, and see His face.

Son of the South's avatar

I rarely take the time to copy in calligraphy something into my leatherbound journal, for calligraphy is very painstaking work, but Andrew, I will copy this lovely poem into that journal that my grandchildren may one day come to love the Lord Jesus as you do.

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

December 30 happens to be my birthday, and your words and actions are such a terrific gift! Thank you so much!

don ortolano's avatar

Beautiful story… and sad at the same time. Beautiful in what that Army Band did for her father……. sad, in that we see a Veteran who had been badly wounded in a horrible war, groveling to pedestrians who ignored him. The very people he had fought for and paid dearly for.

Sara Howland's avatar

What a wonderful, wonderful story. So much love. Sean brings so much light into this world. Thank you.

Edward's avatar

We, the world, can never offer enough thanks to the Greatest Generation. My dad flew 27 B24 missions over Germany. One of my uncles was aboard the USS Hammann a destroyer sunk at Midway, survived in a life raft for days. Another uncle fought across France to Germany with 3rd Army under Gen Patton, was wounded twice and returned to duty. My mom was an Army nurse, her sister was a "Rosie The Riveter" building B29s in Birmingham AL. I am forever thankful that I was exposed to those kind of people.

Phillip H Saunders's avatar

Wow, Edward! What a family legacy!

My dad served in WWI but was a bit too old for WWII. My wife's father was in the Air Corps and was a waist gunner on a B-17. The plane was shot down in Oct. 1943, and he spent a year and a half in a stalag before being liberated by units of the 3rd Army.

Thea McGinnis's avatar

My daddy fought under Patton in No Africa and Italy. And my mom was an army nurse, too. Volunteered in one of the concentration camps as well at the end of the war. Lord, the atrocities she witnessed.

Edward's avatar

I believe the most profound observation to be made for that generation is that they returned, never complained or whined about any hardship or horror they experienced. Went to work building the country we ALL enjoy today. My folks never talked about any of it. I did not even know my dad flew those missions until I was in my 30s. Found some old pics with plane and crew.

Cheryl Brown's avatar

My father was just a boy when his 18 year old brother was killed, just months before the war ended. We must never forget the work they did, the sacrifices they made. Thank you Carole....

SteveA's avatar

Sweet story. Pencils ,people and a powerful message. Giving brings us things we cannot imagine sometimes. Things that sound like a fairy tale. These are the people that give you real meaning, Sean. Not the critics or those angry at that world and try to drag you and us with it. Thank you for the message of hope and joy today. We can always use that.Happy New year......

M Drake's avatar

If you are blessed enough to have friends, then you are blessed enough. For there is no greater love than to give ones life for a friend. John15:13

Pam McCarty's avatar

Carole’s grace that day toward the man came back to her with a gift of generosity and kindness that lasted a lifetime. A great story and lesson for all.

Kathy's avatar

In today’s world, lots of people would not even understand d the importance of this story!! But then some of us do and I am glad I do. Thanks for another “lesson” story, Sean.

Elaine Montgomery's avatar

More more more!!!!!!!

Paul McCutchen's avatar

My wife came in and asked why I was blowing my nose. I sometimes have to blow my nose in the morning because I wear a CPAP at night. "CPAP" I told her. "Sean must have had a good one this morning" she said. The woman knows me really well. I was a good one Sean.

Pat Reeves's avatar

When a top talented writer steps aside and post another persons wonderful story of the love that people are capable of showing. Sean you are great at building others up. It's a gift from God.

My great and grand parents just flew back to my mind’s eye. Once again thanks for the trip. You are a time machine.

Anne Arthur's avatar

Pat, I second your comment. Sean has, and is, a GREAT gift from God.

Donna Workman Meehan's avatar

You had me at …”singing, coming from the sidewalk.” A song spilled into the air, and then it is gone but the memory lingers. And the wonderful pencils are tokens, reminders of the moment.

Cindy Gallop's avatar

Truly a gift from the heart with flowing memories over the years! Sacrificial giving which gave the best birthday gift ever!!

Landry Fuller's avatar

Acts of random kindness touch us so deeply. 😭

Jan LeMaster's avatar

What a beautiful story of generosity and the history that built our country ❣️