Happy Got His Picture Today.

[tekisui]

You may recall the picture I took of 'Happy'. He asked me to bring him a copy when I took it:



Today I got the picture developed, and then laminated. I took it down to his regular spot, he was some hundred yards down, I think to stay in the sun. I handed it to him, and said, "I told you I'd bring you a copy, and it's even laminated so it won't get wet or crumpled."

He just stopped. He stared at his picture, and his eyes welled up. He forgot about the passers-by that he always asks, "Could you help a Veteran." He just stared and finally said, "Thank you. Thank you so much. I really appreciate this. This is the first picture I've even been given. Lots of people take my picture, but nobody has ever given me one. Thank you. Thank you. God bless you." He shook my hand and I turned to leave. He never stopped looking at his picture. I was half a block away, I turned back and he was still staring at it.

It really made my day to see him so touched by such a simple gesture.

[Mira]

1. This is heartrending ( or heart rendering as Dan Quayle, GWB's

intellectual forerunner ) called it.

I am so happy you did that, tekisui !
I sent the photo on to my kid also the one of Matthew. He says he has seen both of them often.
I think I've seen Matthew myself.

Once, my kid was coming out of divorce lawyer's office in Asheville, where he had plunked down 12000 dollars. A Vet came up to him and wanted money. Kid says: I just paid a lawyer 12 grand and I'm broke. The guy said: Oh, brother, that is really tough. So Kid opened his wallet, gave the man everything he had.

On arriving at the parking garage he did not have the cash to get his car out.
Might have been of of your guys, tekisui.

You're on a roll. Great work, I think.

[tekisui]

3. Thank you.

I expected him to like the picture. I didn't expect him to be so moved by it. I have Matthew's laminated, and in my pocket for when I see him again. These few simple acts have really been an experience for me.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. You're tearing me up.

A great story to go with a wonderful photo.