I just saw someone that I want to know but will probably never meet again.
We were celebrating a friend’s birthday at a Brazilian Barbeque place where meat is sliced from swords right on your plate…delicious! Barrett, Annabelle, and I arrived a little late so there was only one parking spot left. We tightly squeezed next to another car and I noticed there was a guy still in the car next to us. I wondered how he would get out as I have been that person before, gymnastically squeezing out a tight door to escape. AC and I got out before Barrett and waited at the restaurant’s front entrance. Then we saw the guy from the car roll himself up next to us.
He was probably in his mid 20’s, and looked strong and confident. He had no legs and no hands. One arm was amputated past the elbow and the other was a few inches below his elbow. I said hi and when I noticed there was a step up into the restaurant I asked if he wanted me to help. “No, my girlfriend will help.” She came up and when the restaurant staff scurried to find a ramp he quickly jumped the step with his chair. I was impressed and wondered if he played basketball. Really! Barrett came then and as we headed to the group, AC kept asking me what happened to his hands.
Honestly, this warrior amazed me. I admit, he was in my line of view while talking with our friends so I watched as he would put his fork in the small crease left in his right arm and eat like it was natural. He and his kind girlfriend looked like they enjoyed their time there. I wanted to pull up a chair and talk with them.
Why does this warrior stick out in my mind? He obviously chose to live in Okinawa, away from wherever home is. Okinawa is not handicapped friendly…or stroller friendly. Yet he finds a way to get around, obviously work out, and have a social life.
I just finished an article this morning about wounded vets celebrating their “alive day”…the day they survived. How they turn a tragedy to a triumph. They make a deliberate choice to celebrate the good in their lives and live well in their new normal. I wonder if he does this. I think of all the Marines and sailors we know and how their lives can change in an instant defending freedom and their buddies. How would they respond in tragedy? How would I? Do I see tragedy or hardship in my life and complain about it or do I learn from them and celebrate the new normal?
I want to meet this warrior. I want to celebrate the life I have like he celebrates his. I’m not naïve enough to think he never has bad days…we all do…yet he chooses to live life out loud rather than quietly. I’m thankful for him even though I’ve barely said hi.