Reflective Coat

I was at my part time job yesterday and we were busy all day. I got to work by 9 and as soon as I got there someone let the flood gates open. Before I new it, it was 1:30 and I hadn't eaten. I was starving. It quieted down a bit so I took my chances and clocked out to eat. As soon as I got back from lunch, all hell broke loose and it was back to the races. Around 4ish it got quiet again. So here I am saying thank you for finally getting a break and I noticed this guy wearing a Marine Corps hat. Pretty cool hat if you ask me. He was looking around and I gave it a couple of minutes and then I walked over to him. I asked if I could help him find what he was looking for. I asked him if he was a Marine. He was and got out in 88. We exchanged a Semper Fi Ooorhaa and talked a little bit about where we were and what we did. I also got out in 1988 so it was fun to chat. Now I get back to my original question and he looked me in the eyes and said the following to me: "I'm looking for a reflective coat. Ya see my son was killed a little while back. He and his twin brother got side swiped from a Hummer in front of my house. His brother made it." My heart dropped. This poor guy watched as the firefighters try to save his sons. His sons where 22 years old. This man is only a couple of years older than me and I have kids this age. I felt for this man. I could relate to him. I'm a firefighter. I've seen and done things that just happened. I needed to help him and wouldn't you believe I did. Here's how. I talked to him like he was my brother. He is. He's a Marine. He's my brother. Even though I've never met him before in my life, he's family. I talked to him and listened as he told me the details. I listened to his pain and sorrows. I ended up just giving him a hug. A total stranger who is my brother. As it was getting close to closing time and he was on his way home, I stopped him. I asked him to call me as I gave him my number. I said even if you feel like going for a beer and talking. When I handed him my card I saw this big smile and a wave of relief came from his face and it made me realize it feels pretty good to know that you've helped someone. His expressions said that to me. He thanked me and we shook hands once again. This is the short version. Bottom line is that we all need to realize that we all need to help each other in this crazy world of ours. Because everyone needs help. Being kind is part of what we're all suppose to do. Having faith helps out too. Thanks mom and dad. He never did buy that raincoat.