“I’m sitting in the Kroger parking lot trying to collect my thoughts. I saw a little girl jumping in the driveway and making loud noises while I was inside gathering groceries.

When I turned back, I noticed a young lady sporting enormous boots in comparison to her petite frame. At first, I just laughed and carried on with my shopping. But I wound myself behind her and her mother in the checkout line.

We started up a conversation, as good southerners do.

I complimented the little girl on her footwear. She began to talk with a huge grin on her face.

Those boots belonged to her father, she told me. His birthday would have been today, but he was slain in ‘Afghan Stan’ last year. She was allowed to wear his boots to make herself feel better about the day.

I, like her mother, began to cry, as did the cashier.

The gentleman behind me must have overheard the story and decided to give the little girl one of the dozen cupcakes he was purchasing. For her father’s birthday, he advised the small girl to always eat a cupcake.

He told her she should be proud to be her father’s daughter since he was a hero. Please keep in mind why we have the opportunity to appreciate America. Let us take a moment to remember those who defend the freedom we so often take for granted!”

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