My wife suggested that I post this as a blog, so here it is. This actually happened to me last week.

Many of you know that I like to keep my hair pretty short. It’s more out of necessity than it is a fashion statement. I look very much like a Chia Pet if it’s not cut about every three weeks. Thanks to my wonderful stylist, Kristi Hogan, my hair is as close to high and tight as possible. Anyway, after getting my hair cut last week I made a trek to Costco for some fuel. There was a young(er than me) lady trying to figure out the gas pump so I offered to help. After chatting a few minutes her van door opened and out stepped an adorable 11 or 12 year old girl. She whispered something to her mom and her mom asked me if her daughter could rub the back of my head. I said certainly (never being one that would ever turn down an opportunity to have my head rubbed). I bent over and she gently began to rub the back of my head, but only upward. After a short time she began to cry and ran, sobbing, back to the van. Her mom must have noticed my perplexed look because she explained to me that her dad had been a U.S. Marine and had been killed in Afghanistan. My hair reminded her of her dad. I kind of stood there for a moment, my heart having just been ripped out. I told the mom that I was sorry and I thanked her for his service and their enormous sacrifice. I asked if I could give her daughter a hug and was given permission. I opened the door and hugged this brave young lady. I told her that it must be very hard to lose your daddy and that he must be very proud of her. I also told her that her dad was a hero and would always be with her. Her mom and I hugged for a moment and we both went our separate ways.

Had I not gotten my haircut that day I might never have met that mom and her daughter. You never know whose life you might touch, or who might touch yours. The next time you see someone in uniform please go shake their hand and tell them thank you. If they are with their family make sure to thank the spouse and their kids as well. You might just be in the right place at the right time.

God save America!