While in the birthing lounge awaiting the arrival of grand-daughter baby A, the awesome sound of the baby's life-giving heartbeat filled the room. I closed my eyes and considered the miracle of life as seen looking at the eyes of the baby, just yesterday, through use of advanced ultrasound technology.
It was easy enough to reflect on how wonderful the beginning of life truly is, but at the same time realize just how totally dependent a baby is on its mother--a fierce tiger if you threaten her offspring
. My mind continued to drift farther away to people who are unable to defend themselves against harm from external ruffians and ruthless enemies.
A few weeks back while looking at real estate, the need for a "pit stop" facilitated a visit to a local McDonald's. Isn't it ironic how the darndest things bring people together with unforeseen opportunities? Today revealed such an unique opportunity.
After personal business was completed and as I was rushing from the restaurant like a first responder to a fire, out of the corner of my eye I noticed an elderly gentleman sitting quietly enjoying his lunch. This sight was not so much remarkable, but what was remarkable and drew my attention was the writing on the ball cap he was wearing.
My first gradual realization of the stature of this man was the "Flying Tiger" emblem and, more noteworthy, the "Founder" imprinted on the bill of his hat. A revelation came to me in slow motion: "Flying Tigers," "Founder", and being 90+ years of age, it came together all at once. I was looking directly at a genuine first class hero.
His hair was gray, but still surprisingly full at his advanced age. He sat with an air of confidence of a man who has "just about seen it all." A stubble or two left on his face where he missed in the morning's shave, his blue eyes were as striking and clear as they were friendly. When I thanked him for his service and offered to pay for his lunch, a smile broke out on his face that betrayed his true kind spirit.
I introduced myself as a fellow pilot, and upon introduction to "LC," we spoke awhile of the P40 fighter in which he flew missions over the China Hump during World War II. I could tell his mind drifted back to a time in his life when he was "hanging it all out" protecting defenseless Chinese farmers and villagers. A true humanitarian.
Without debating the right or wrong of war, in my book anyone who risks life and limb protecting others--especially others who are virtually defenseless against a formidable and ruthless enemy, are worthy of appreciation and admiration.
LC and I spoke about another Flying Tiger fighter pilot, TC, a friend and supporter of yours truly who passed away only a few years ago. LC actually flew with TC, way back then in his American Volunteer Group. Amazingly, he could describe in detail my friend TC.
LC's words then focused on the defenseless nature of the villagers on the ground, and how exposed they were to the relentless Japanese Zeros that strafed them, killing many. He confirmed a rumor about a cloth patch Chinese villagers sewed on the backs of flight jackets belonging to the members of the Flying Tigers. The patch that read, "Whoever finds this man needing help, hide him and care for him with your life as he is a friend and protector of our villagers." Or, something like that.
Even a grown up at times can find himself caught up and defenseless against life's ruthless forces and may need help from others--like a baby in the womb, a person less fortunate, a farmer in a small village in China a very long time ago.
As I opened my eyes, I became excited, but concerned as I looked onto the miracle of little baby A taking her first breath while looking around trustingly at her exciting new world.
She, as dependent now as she was in the womb, will require help until she can make it all on her own. But, really, do any of us ever make it entirely all on our own?
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