It was a cold January day. I was working in the ER all day and only a few hours into my shift when I receive an elderly male patient. He appears to be about my grandfather’s age which reminded me that today was my grandfather’s birthday. I tell myself I would call him on my lunch break.

As I get the patient settled in his room, I decide it’s time to make some small talk. “Do you live close by?” “Who do you live with?” “Is it cold outside today?” “Do you think it will snow sometime soon?”

As I am making conversation and building rapport, my patient tells me that he used to serve in the military. I ask what branch and then proceed to tell him that my dad also too served in the national guard.

Feeling like I need to wrap up the conversation and rush to my next patient, I stop for a second. “Thank you for your service” I tell my patient. He makes a puzzled face, so I figure he must be a bit hard of hearing. So I walk up to his bed, lean in close and look at him. “Thank you for your service” I say again. This time he hears me. His eyes welled up with tears as he whispers “Thank you.” It was almost inaudible. As tears too cloud my eyes, I put my hand on his.

While I am caught in this moment, I am looking into his eyes not knowing all that is behind them. I’m wondering what they have seen; what he’s been through as a soldier. I feel his hand in mine; rough and probably once strong – making me wonder more about his story.

I am quickly reminded that other things are demanding my attention. I tell him I have to go, but I would be back soon to check up on him. He thanks me for talking with him.

As I leave the room, I take a second to think about what just happened. Something so simple made this man so emotional. Maybe it’s because it reminds him of what he did to sacrifice for his country. Maybe it’s because he’s hardly ever thanked. Whatever the reason, it is a moment I will always remember.

In a society of rushing around; slow down.

When you see a vet, thank a vet.

Take the time to give thanks to those who sacrificed for us and this country. It may not be perfect, but it’s ours.