I met quite the character this evening at the Bridge Ministry, where food is served to the homeless of Nashville, TN.
I was with a friend of mine who was once homeless and we had just visited the gravesite of his brother, who would have been 27 this year. Sadly, he died in a house fire two years ago and his surviving brother wanted to place flowers on his gravestone on the anniversary of his brother’s death. On the way home he told me he wanted to stop by the Jefferson Street Bridge, where the feeding ministry takes place for those without food and water. It was during that stop that we met this man (pictured).
He did not tell me his name, but did tell me he was a U.S. Veteran who served in the Marines. When I asked where he was stationed, he told me… “It’s Classified and Confidential,” and then laughed while opening his mouth wide. I then asked where he was from and he replied, “The United States of America…” ending in laughter.
As the brief conversation continued I asked if he enjoyed the food at the Bridge, “Yes,” followed by more laughter. He kept smiling and laughing.
Well, that was my conversation. It made me laugh and it was a good close to a night for a friend that had a tough day missing his brother. I’m glad he was in such good spirits and was able to make others smile.
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” - Charlie Chaplin