The Eyes Of Veterans

"One person can make a difference, and every person should try."

–John F. Kennedy

This week I was especially touched when I performed before wounded veterans at the VA Hospital in Durham.

There were not quite as many women and men in attendance.   They told me some of the patients just wanted to sleep in, and wished that entertainers would come at night.

I show up around 10:00am, and set up for my little show that begins at 10:30.  That’s not too too early, but heck, I totally understand.  Truth be told, I love love love sleeping in, too!

That’s not even the thing that stuck with me after my visit this time.  Not even close.  This time, for the first time, I really looked in to the eyes– not just the faces– THE EYES — of the veterans in front of me.

The reactions to me and my singing are all over the place.  They are just as varied as the men and women who for a time, must consider the hospital their home.  They are young, old, black, white, able to walk, in wheelchairs, sighted and blind, hazy, lucid.  You get the gist.

I made a point to make direct and sustained eye contact with these American heroes as I sang to them.

Some of what I saw hurt my heart, and some of  what I could see made my heart sing.

I think I could tell the ones who’ve been through pure hell and back and still suffer.

I saw a depth of sadness that I am doubting will ever fully fade.   Some of the men I am fairly certain have seen some stuff a civilian mind can not fathom.  Others clap and smile broadly, clearly loving the music — and my tired jokes.

They are veterans of wars.  Of course they know trauma and darkness.

Here’s the thing:  Knowing this, and actually seeing this in a veteran’s eyes are two different things.

But you know what?  Whatever the hell they’ve been through– they all carry themselves with such honor and strength.  That is also something to see.   It makes me proud of them and our country.   I know am a better person because of what I see.

I can not wait until I return for another chance to honor them for keeping us all free.

I feel truly alive in their presence.

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