Can you help?

I was at the local Wal Mart with my Grandson tonight and I heard "Can you help?". I looked around and here were two men trying to work the blood pressure machine. I was asked "Can you help?" again. I knew immediately they were Vietnamese. Not by the look but the tone of the voice and how the voice sounded. I helped and showed how the machine worked. Although his English was fair I understood him and his asking how to know if the blood pressure was normal or not and I showed him and heard him tell the other man using the machine what I had just said. And then I was positive that they were Vietnamese by the language.

I asked them where they were from and they said Vietnam. I told them I had been there and where. One of the men was from the Saigon Area and was 55. The other one was from Cam Rahn Bay / Da Nang. I told them were I was stationed. The man from Saigon stated he was on the highway each day by where I was stationed. We talked some and I found out that they have been in the states since 1991 and they wanted to know how long I had been in service, what I did after and what I did now. We spoke for about five minutes and I then said goodbye and left.

I came home and told my wife what happened and she said "Why'd you talk to them?". You know whats odd? My wife and I never speak of the war or my service. Early in our relationship she said something about the war and that was it as far as I was concerned and we have never really spoke about it again. She has purchased some military items for me as gifts but we never speak of the service nor would we ever be able to. A two weeks ago I really needed to someone about it and wondered if I could with her. She had had surgery and was sleeping downstairs as she could not walk up them. I have been having a bad time and have been so emotional and flooded with memories. Anyway, I really felt a presense during a few nights and woke up due to a noise, feelings, etc. I believe, and have always believed, that my brothers who passed while I was at the 24th have been present from time to time late at night when it is dark and quiet. I guess it reminds me of being alone in the morgue taking care of them. Once I realize they are present, they are gone but I find it comforting. I wanted to tell her of this and was trying to attempt to say something but knew it would be a mistake.

So, I find it odd that I really have no one here that I feel I can speak to regarding my service or really have any friendships. Yet, here I am with two Vietnamese men who I do not know briefly speaking of Vietnam and it seems to bring some comfort to me tonight. Is it because we both had memories of a war? That there was some type of common ground? Was it a gift from God knowing I needed a type of comfort?

I know this probably sounds crazy but to me it makes sense. And how I miss my brothers from Vietnam, even those that crossed my path that I did not know. Please know that I think of you each day and you are in my prayers.