OFF THE WIRE
By Tribunist Staff
In recent months, Mike Rowe has become known for his impassioned and
emotional Facebook posts just as much, if not more so, than his string
of hit television shows. Today, Mike posted another update to his
popular Facebook page about a special forces soldier who is going
through a very tough time with ALS.
Apparently, Mike had received a communication from Justin, a former
Special Forces soldier who fought for the United States before his body
began failing him. Mike wrote back to the young man and it was just
recently that he received Mike’s message.
That’s when Justin’s parents sent another letter to Mike and inspired Mike to write another poignant response.
Here is the letter received by Rowe from Justin’s parents:
Dear Mike: I sit here in tears, because of you.
Our son Justin – a strong willed, a special forces military man
who fought in countries where most of us will never go, loves to watch
and read about you. “Totally an admirable man.” That’s what he always
says about you.
Our son is dying from ALS. Later this afternoon, he had a
horrible experience causing him great discomfort both physical and
emotional. After a little time to calm down, and with the help of his
girlfriend, they opened his mail, and found what you sent. It brought
tears to his eyes just knowing you took the time out to acknowledge him.
So, from two parents who are watching their son die a slow and
horrible death, brought on by defending our freedom in other countries,
we send you our deepest gratitude.
Sincerely
Diane Dodson
That’s when the always eloquent Rowe went into another heartfelt
Facebook post that likely left thousands of people, not just Justin’s
parents, with a tear in their eye.
Hi Diane,
I suspect words like “Merry” and “Happy” are difficult to hear at
the moment, so I’ll forego the holiday greetings, and simply say
“you’re welcome.”
I was very sad to learn of your son’s illness, and deeply humbled
that a man like Justin finds me “admirable.” Please assure him the
feeling is mutual.
The truth is, acknowledging Justin’s service is both an honor and
a privilege. I know that my freedom and my liberty were bought and paid
for by people like your son. I know his freedom is now being removed
one day at a time. I know that his liberty is being slowly denied, by an
enemy he cannot overcome.
I would like you to know, that your note reminded me of just how
tenuous it all is. Our freedom. Our liberty. Our health. It’s all so
fragile. And so damn easy to take for granted.
Sooner or later, our bodies will fail us. There are no
exceptions. But what Justin did with his body while it was still in his
control, has left me forever in his debt, and mindful of what matters
most. Because ultimately, there is no greater threat to our freedom,
than a lack of gratitude to those who provide it.
Your note is a reminder that acknowledging soldiers like Justin,
requires me to count our many blessings, and vow to be a better version
of myself. Actually Diane, it’s more than a reminder – it’s a gift. A
gift from you and your son.
A gift for which we, the undersigned, are most grateful.
Mike
Here is the full post from Rowe’s page:
