Lieutenant Bill and gratitude

I am in Lexington with no car and Kevin is back in Indianapolis starting school. My car broke down and I am at home packing. I strongly believe that being outside makes my spirit sing. I went for a walk. Our super cute apartment is right in the middle of every store you ever dreamed of. I am walking and there is a man in wheelchair holding a sign that says" Please help, I am a disabled vet", I usually do not donate to people themselves.
In all my social work classes  we talked about how the
Arm Forces does not take care of their Vets. This man was amazing, his name Bill. He was a Lieutenant in the army he served 28 years in the Army. He lives in a motel and he has been back for 8 years and he lost both of his legs. We talked for over 30 minutes and I walked away feeling blessed that I met this man who gave up his legs and his health. So I asked him if I could ask him some questions so I did and I learn so much. He has health insurance for life, but he just got approved for disability and next month he will get his first retirement check after being home for eight years. But he told me he had to fight for that. Then I asked him about the mental health and he said that finding somewhere that understands or its easy to get into is hard. He looked at me in the eyes and said "I still have dreams, I lost lots of my men. I watched them be blown up and then the next day we were doing the same things. I saw things that no man deserves to see.  I STILL HAVE BAD DREAMS!"  I had tears in my eyes. Then he said the most amazing thing to me I would do all over again!! I walked away a better person, and so much gratitude for him and what he did for me and you. I  hugged him and he shook my hand and thanked me for making his day.
I am grateful for Lieutenant Bill and his willingness to talk with me.