Real Commitment. Real Love.

With Veterans Day this week, what might have been an ordinary encounter has stuck with me. I met a guy who was visiting one of our residents, and his “Airborne” ball cap and Vietnam patch on his vest poked my curiosity.

It turns out he spent a quarter century serving with U.S. Airborne, and another 16 teaching ROTC. That is an increasingly rare commitment. But it was a whole other kind of commitment that really caught my attention.

He shared how he lost his wife four years ago. These days, he comes to Sierra View a couple of times a week to visit a woman who was his late wife’s best friend. Why? Because her husband had asked him to help take care of her if anything ever happened to him. And for some people, giving their word on something is unshakeable.

We didn’t get to talk for very long. He was busy going back and forth to his car, bringing in treats for other people. I hope our paths cross again. There’s a lot more I’d love to hear—whether it’s Veterans Day or not.

I love stories about duty, sacrifice, and honor—whether they come with a uniform or not. Something Paul wrote caught my attention a couple of days ago, and this little chance encounter brought it back to mind: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” (Romans 12:9, NLT)

I don’t know nearly enough about this gentleman to tell his story. But I saw enough today to recognize something worth celebrating. Someone who has spent much of his life serving others is still at it. No uniform required. No medals being handed out. Just showing up, and keeping his word. I would love to see that kind of thing contagious, and I hope I get to thank him again.