[Goodpasture]

Several of you have met her. I don't know who all is aware, but my living together "partner" is not only a Dutch citizen but a sensitive and strong woman. Today she once again proved her worth. We went to a cafe for lunch. We had to wait probably 10 minutes for a table and once we sat down an elderly couple got up from the next table over and were getting ready to head for the door with their check in hand. The gentleman was wearing a WWII ball cap. She stopped them, and speaking to the gentleman asked if he had been in WWII. When he said yes, she said "I want to thank you for liberating my country, may I pay for your meal?" Once again I saw tears in an elderly wife's eyes.....this isn't the first time she has done this, but it always impacts me. We owe that generation so very much, buying them a meal is little enough.......remembering them and honoring them is so important.

I have been inundated with Justin Bieber crap on the news over the past few days. Talking head shrinks tell us he is just a 19 year old kid letting off steam and playing and that he'll grow out of it. As I was sitting there listening to this old guy tell us of his war experiences, I couldn't help but think of how this man and countless others like him, when they were 19 year old kids, liberated France, and Italy, and Holland, and Belgium, gave hope to Great Britain, and defeated the Third Reich and the Japanese Imperial Army.

Like I said, today, Annemieke made me proud to be with her.........

[okie1962]

I am glad you shared that story with us. I am not surprised at all about Annemieke showing her gratitude to the WWII vet. She is truly a firecracker with a heart of gold. I am so glad to be friends with both you and Annemieke, it has made my life richer.

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by Goodpasture

Several of you have met her. I don't know who all is aware, but my living together "partner" is not only a Dutch citizen but a sensitive and strong woman. Today she once again proved her worth. We went to a cafe for lunch. We had to wait probably 10 minutes for a table and once we sat down an elderly couple got up from the next table over and were getting ready to head for the door with their check in hand. The gentleman was wearing a WWII ball cap. She stopped them, and speaking to the gentleman asked if he had been in WWII. When he said yes, she said "I want to thank you for liberating my country, may I pay for your meal?" Once again I saw tears in an elderly wife's eyes.....this isn't the first time she has done this, but it always impacts me. We owe that generation so very much, buying them a meal is little enough.......remembering them and honoring them is so important.

I have been inundated with Justin Bieber crap on the news over the past few days. Talking head shrinks tell us he is just a 19 year old kid letting off steam and playing and that he'll grow out of it. As I was sitting there listening to this old guy tell us of his war experiences, I couldn't help but think of how this man and countless others like him, when they were 19 year old kids, liberated France, and Italy, and Holland, and Belgium, gave hope to Great Britain, and defeated the Third Reich and the Japanese Imperial Army.

Like I said, today, Annemieke made me proud to be with her.........

This is great stuff, GP!

Boy, I sure wish your wife's thoughtfulness would rub off on these younger generations. Respect, honor, and dignity are in short supply these days among our young people.

[Annemieke Roell]

Originally Posted by okie1962

I am glad you shared that story with us. I am not surprised at all about Annemieke showing her gratitude to the WWII vet. She is truly a firecracker with a heart of gold. I am so glad to be friends with both you and Annemieke, it has made my life richer.

We love you guys, too, and feel very fortunate to have you in our lives.

[Tiffany724]

That's so beautiful! I wish more people would do things like that. Definitely someone to be very proud of!