Vilma and I were doing some shopping at North Park here in Dallas Texas on Memorial Day. I suggested we have lunch at Maggiano’s. Always a favorite, great food, great service, great ambiance and decor.
Maggiano’s is where I took Vilma on our first date after a walk at the Dallas Arboretum. It’s also where I took Vilma by limousine after proposing to her at the Dallas Arboretum several months later. So, without question Maggiano’s holds a great deal of sentiment and history for the both of us.
I asked for a table by the window, my favorite. Once seated and after talking for a bit I asked Vilma if she saw the young couple to my right. He was dressed in Formal Navey Whites and she in an elegant evening dress. Very striking couple to say the least. Since it was about 2:30pm we suspected they had been to a Memorial Day event and were having a late lunch.
I mentioned to Vilma that in hindsight I wished I had been more disciplined and focused in my teens and twenties. I have always admired those who have engaged in service to country, their commitment and determination to accomplish that goal. Not to mention that clean cut, well-dressed, squared away persona that goes with.
As we were talking and re living some of our life experiences together, I asked Vilma if she could tell if the couple may have finished their meal. She said it looks like they may be finishing their deserts why. I could tell by the look on her face she knew what I was thinking, and said oh honey let’s do it.
I motioned for our waiter and asked if we could add their meal to ours. I told him we didn’t want to interrupt them and to please let them know it had been taken care of. I know many of you have done the same and I must admit I could not have anticipated what was about to transpire.
This striking young couple came to our table in a scene right out of a movie. He confidently and respectfully introduced his wife and himself and said thank you. I introduced Vilma and myself and told them a bit about our history at Maggiano’s. Vilma and I both expressed our appreciation for his service and his wife’s support. What I said next was not planned and was if the words had been stored in my heart for just this moment.
I mentioned briefly my respect and admiration for those Men and Women like the two of them who through commitment, determination, and discipline truly makes all of us proud to be an American and are grateful for their service and protection. I encouraged him to listen to his heart and mind, to disregard the other voices that often discourage us along our path in life. To realize he is stronger because of the partner he has chosen in life, listen to her wisdom, always look out for her, and keep her close by his side. We talked for a few more minutes, handshakes and hugs all around and said our goodbyes.
As Vilma and I sat talking we watched as they exited the restaurant and disappeared into the parking area. Very quickly my eyes caught a glimpse of the well-dressed couple coming back into the building. My thought was maybe to do some shopping, after all it is NorthPark, one of the nicest and largest shopping centers in Texas. What happened next, I will never forget.
The couple came back to our table and asked the waiter to take a picture of the 4 of us. The young Man told me about several things regarding his appreciation, reached inside of his dress whites Jacket and unpinned one of several ribbons on his coat. He explained it was his first set of wings he received after flight school.
As my mind grasped the importance of the moment the emotions welled up inside of me. The only thing that would come out of my mouth was “there is no way I could except that”. I said, “thank you for your generosity but that is something you earned”. He insisted and then gave me a further explanation. It was personal and as he spoke, I could feel my eyes begin to well up. An unexpected moment in time that encouraged Vilma and I and confirmed yet again our purpose and calling in life.
I am always amazed at those moments that in my experience were designed by my Heavenly Father to encourage and strengthen each person present. The what ifs, and the orchestration of that moment. The odds of that moment happening must be astronomical. The right people, right time, right place, the right words. Our shopping could have taken longer. Went to a mall closer to our home. We almost didn’t have lunch at Maggiano’s as we had other errands to attend.
Our waiter told us later the young Man is an officer in the US Navey, no surprise there but his position and level of responsibility is. I am even more impressed with this couple now that I know. I would ask our friends and family to remember Juan & Brenda Previano in your prayers.
Having been given a set of wings earned by this young Man who so graciously gave such a treasure to me, is another benchmark in my life. I am certain based on the couple’s response, the encouragement and appreciation Vilma and I shared had a purpose beyond our understanding, and intent.
Our purpose, as we have learned over the last few years, is to encourage others. Our prayer is that in sharing our story you will be encouraged to share yours with others. We all have one and it is ongoing throughout our lifetime. Your heart will prompt you when those in need cross your path. It won’t always be obvious, but I promise you, you will know.
Take action, reach out, even if it feels a bit awkward at first. “Kind words spoken honestly give birth to new hope”. You wont regret it, and you may even receive your wings!
May God bless your life as you pursue him! May Gods love and kindness direct you as we are renewed and strengthened as he does a new thing in our lives, the journey to our new life is on foot, led by His Spirit, to serve Him, and others.
Dwight & Vilma Carter
214-206-5143
tellthemyourstory.org
dwightspeaks.me