In 1868, Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the grand Army of the Republic issued what was called General Order Number 11, designating May 30 as a memorial day. He declared it to be “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

I cannot help but think about the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have either died or were wounded defending our freedom. I am saddened by the fact that for many people, Memorial Day has become “First Day of Summer Day,” or “Let’s Have a Picnic Day.” Although our brave soldiers were wounded or lost their lives in order to assure that we are able cherish and enjoy any day with family and friends, the good people of Duquesne have always been indebted to the men and women of the Armed Forces. 

My friend, former Duquesne Place resident and former classmate, Bob Chermonitz, forwarded a story to me today that is so poignant. For some reason, the story reminded me of a forgotten soldier. It certainly make you think. So, as Bob suggests –

“Take 60 seconds to read this story. It will give you time to settle your brain, gather your thoughts, calm down and finish your week off on a positive note.”

Bring Potato Chips

 A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase.

He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. 

As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever. 

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?”

He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? He’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, “Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?”

He replied “I ate potato chips in the park with God.” However, before his son responded, he added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime!

Embrace all equally!

Have lunch with God…….bring chips.