Iraq Vet presents a special moment

A couple of nights ago, when it was warm enough for my husband Ivan and me to come out of hibernation before another cold wave hit North Dakota, we ventured over to our favorite haunt, Red Lobster.

Seated at the table next to us was a young couple, two little boys--I guessed that one was about 2 and the other one about 4, and a middle-aged couple. Listening to their chatter, it was obvious that the older couple were "Grandma and Grandpa," but they seemed to be nearly invisible, at least as far as the boys were concerned. The kids did wave at us, then began to talk a bit, and before long we discovered "the rest of the story," as Paul Harvey would say.

The dad had just finished a tour of duty in Iraq--his third tour. It was his first day home. There was no need to wonder why the boys were so clingy to dad. In their little minds, they were probably afraid he would leave again if they didn't hang on tight enough.

There was no talk about the war and whether it was right or wrong. There was talk about how proud of him we all were. When they finished their meal, we called the waitress over and told her to have them order dessert, on us. They were delighted, especially the boys.

It is not often we get to see such a special day so up close and personal. It was a delight for us to be allowed to intrude on this special family.

No matter what we think of the war, these young men and women are true heroes, and my hat's off to each and every one of them. Thank you.