I went to work tonight and was quite surprised to receive a call from Belgium. On the other end of the phone was a stranger named Chad. He had one request in that he wanted to have a catfish dinner delivered to his grandmother. We do not normally deliver one meal but something in his voice impressed me, and I knew we should oblige. The catfish was prepared, and a member of the kitchen was soon sent to meet his 92-year-old Grandmother. She met the delivery with a big smile and much surprise. I answered the phone a half-hour later and was lucky enough to talk to Chad again. He said that even though it was the middle of the night in Belgium, he wanted to know how the delivery had gone. I told him I had included a little note from him, and she was quite happy could tell he was smiling at the other end as he described how his grandmother had a tough year with falls and that he wished he could see her more. I thanked him that we could be part of a wonderful story. Tonight when I came home CNN blared as my husband had left the television on. I saw comments made on Syria and realized that the war is for cable tv but does not touch me often. I pictured Chad tonight as he said he had got on his knees to thank the kindness of strangers. I also imagine his grandmother alone as she ate the catfish thinking of her grandson. How she must worry about him and want to see him again. I picture a soldier far from home, and how much he worries about how much of a shut in his Grandmother has become. I am glad that I answered the phone and could be part of the story as these stories help remind me that I sat in peace in the heartland because of the Chad's in the world. It was jus a food delivery, but it is one that will stay with me for a long time!
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