Jewells of Thought

When Papaw Freddy told me his list of men I needed to interview his brother-in-law was high on the list. This was among the first couple I was able to do while Papaw was still alive. It was important to him, my Great Uncle Tom was a special man and I could see it in Papaw’s stance on me taking the time to do this interview.

Then at Papaw’s funeral I remember Uncle Tom sobbing. Papaw helped take care of Grandma’s family it was part of the beauty of their love story. Papaw was always there when he was needed and Uncle Tom had a difficult time due to his time in Vietnam. Each Veteran has to deal with coming home in their own way Papaw Freddy served stateside not overseas. He took it as a stain to not have been in battle, but it was really a blessing God put him where he needed to be.

The day we set up to meet was September 18, 2004. He opted to come here to our house and it was a nice day to be outside we sat on the swing on the back porch. Papaw, Dad, Uncle Mike and Tony were off working in the fields. It’s been awhile since I have looked through the interview and the paperwork and that date above matches the orders for a Commendation Medal for meritorious service from the year 1980. I was still 5 years from being born.

When he showed up that day he brought a binder. When I say a binder it was like 5 inches thick with all of his Army information he had several tours and accumulated a lot of paperwork. I was floored with all of that information, but the first thing I really realized was that he was more nervous than I was and usually it was the other way around.

Then he asked me if it was alright if he smoked to calm his nerves. This was all about him and his being comfortable so I told him to go ahead. I don’t know that he knew I got migraines from smoke, but for once it didn’t bother me. Somehow it was just meant to happen and we have Papaw to think for having a way of orchestrating this behind the scenes. I could tell he needed to release some of his experiences and I do believe it helped him.

This interview was big and I could tell Uncle Tom just needed to be heard. It was therapeutic for him to talk; I’m glad I was able to be there to allow him to heal in a way maybe he couldn’t before.

Uncle Tom and Aunt Helen became pen pals… Can you imagine being shot in the jungle of Vietnam and never getting the proper care for your wound… drugs, Vietnam and JAG Corp… some future topics over the next few days.