Caleb and the 2 ID patch

Yesterday, I took Caleb and Sarah to eat lunch at Culver's. We went in and sat down. Caleb said that he wanted chicken strips. So, I ordered them for him. The food came and he didn't want the chicken strips. And, he began to get out of his chair and argue that he told me something else. He was not winning. About that time, Sarah decides to grab the tray and push the salt and pepper and ad sign on the floor. UGH!! So, I started to get up when one of the soldiers at the next table got up to help me. He then proceeded to talk to Caleb (who calls all soldiers daddies, not his daddy, but they all must be a daddy). The soldier tells him that soldiers don't complain and eat their food like their mommys' say. He was priceless. But, what came next had tears running down my face. I see him reach for his sleeve and I hear the sound of velcro. I, not remembering where all of the pockets are in the ACUs, thought he was getting into his pocket. No, he proceeds to take off his combat patch and give it to Caleb. Again, tears brimming, I have nothing to say to the man. Caleb is just staring in awe. He told Caleb to hold on to it and eat like the soldiers do. *sniffle, sniffle*

OK, so I didn't have the heart to tell the soldier, SFC Smith, that we have several of those at home. This was so Caleb's moment. I thanked him and made sure he didn't need it back. We continued to eat our lunch. Caleb was facing the soldiers and just kept glancing at them. I loved to hear him say that he was going to give it to Daddy or to Drew and Grace. I kept telling him it was his and he didn't have to give it to anyone. He then said he would show it to everyone. After the meal, he again told SFC Smith thank you. I asked if they had just returned from Iraq. No, he is getting ready to go, for the 4th time. And the other soldier is returning on his 3rd time. So, I am walking away from the table with tears in my eyes again!!

I know my husband is a soldier and a GREAT one!! I know Mike would have done the same. But, I don't expect it from anyone else. Most people don't pay attention to a mom and 2 little ones, unless they are critical of my parenting or my kids being kids. I have to say that Caleb wasn't being real disruptive, but he was wiggling pretty good. I am so grateful to SFC Smith for distracting Caleb. I thank the good Lord for putting him there at the right time!! Caleb will always cherish his patch. Makes me laugh to watch him!! My prayers are with SFC Smith as he returns to fight for my freedom to eat where ever I choose to with my family.

*Oh, side note, Caleb did eat his chicken strips without me having to say another word!!