A bucket of shrimp
They say old folks do strange things. At least, I think that is what young people say about us when they talk about us at all —which isn’t all that often. I think this is because we old folks are a bother. I think this must explain why younger people want to place us in nursing homes.
In any case, this story unfolded every Friday evening, almost without fail, when the sun resembled a giant orange and was starting to dip into the wide blue ocean.
Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier. Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp. Ed walks out to the end of the pier, where it seems he almost has the world to himself. The glow of the sun is a golden bronze now. Everybody has gone, except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on…
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Posted on October 18, 2014, in Uncategorized, WWII and tagged aviation, family history, Hero, History, Marines, Military, Military History, Pacific War, veterans, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 28 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
“view original post” link seems to be broken.
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The post has been fixed; I’m very sorry for the inconvenience. I appreciate you telling me of the mishap!!
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At least you might suspect me of faithful readership.
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Oh, I noticed that a LONG time ago and it is greatly appreciated. I wish I had more time t spend on the computer.
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A wonderful story. Thanks for the chance to read it.
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You are very welcome, John. A story like this belongs to the world, don’t you think?
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Definitely a heart-warmer.
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I was lucky to find it – thanks, Ann.
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That is one great unbelievable story, not only his service and war record, but again serving as a civilian.
A man of integrity that gave thanks for a miracle, the humble seagull.
Emu
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Isn’t that the truth, Ian! He was a character that many could assume was out of Marvel comics!!
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Such a fantastic story and the world is full of them. Thanks for letting us see it.
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I wish I could have all the stories, but we know that’s impossible. Thanks for reading, Jim.
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Couldn’t find anywhere on the original to leave a comment … but I’d wondered sometimes what had happened to Eddie Rickenbacker. Now we know … thanks for that.
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For men like him, their story continues to be told.
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What a incredible story. Thanks so much for sharing this!
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Thrilled you liked it, Kathy. Have a great weekend.
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This is so touching – survival, humility, unassuming. Simple lives hide a plethora of courageous feats.
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You certainly can’t judge the book by its cover, as the saying goes. Down here in So. FL., he would have just blended in with the rest of the retirees. Thank you for commenting, Sammy.
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That is a very touching story. Thank you for sharing it.
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I’m just glad you enjoyed it! 😉
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Father worked for Eastern Airlines here in Miami for 32 years. He was lead wheel/landing gear mechanic. Rickenbacker used to come through the shop and greet the fellows very often.
When I was 11 my father arrived home at 3 miles per hour humped over the steering wheel of that 1955 Ford. A piece of steel had chipped off a hammer and shredded his left eye and it was hanging on his upper cheek. Father was a tough fellow alright. The doctors did not think he would live. I was terrified. They did not let children visit the rooms then. I was all alone in that waiting room all through the night. The was a Reader’s Digest there and I read the story of Rickenbacker’s survival in the ocean with his crew when the plane crashed. I knew if dad knew Rickenbacker and Rickenbacker survived that my father would make it too. He lost the eye but he’s still with me. He’ll be 91 next month.
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Your father is one tough fellow, Carl. (as I learned when I added him into the Camp Polk post). Outside of the fact that your father was severely wounded, I appreciate you sharing this great story. The Readers Digest that carried the Rickenbacker story had to be fate sitting there in the waiting room. What are the odds?
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I call them “God shots”.
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What a great story.
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Isn’t it tho!! Didn’t have anything planned for today and then I remembered this!
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I’ve always been told to say nice things about my kids because they are the ones who will choose my nursing home. Are you reading this kids? I think you are the best in the world!
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Thank you for letting us know this story!
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My pleasure! A pleasant story for the weekend. Thank you for reading, JF.
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