A (Not So) Simple Car Ride

This article was sent to us by Natalie S., a ninth grader stationed in Texas. Do you have a story to share with your fellow military teens? Visit our contribution page to find out how you can submit to Bloom!

It was a simple day spotlighted by a church event. Specifically, a few friends and I were teamed up together, looking for clues. The goal was to finish the puzzle first and return with the key information. 

The search extended to needing the car, and my best friend's aunt was in the driver's seat. Despite the atmosphere of excitement, the car ride was silent. Not an awkward silence, just silent. Suddenly, our driver spoke up. 

"Natalie…," she said, “I wanted to tell you that I think your dad is a hero, and when I say those words, it’s because I mean it. We owe your family a huge debt, but we also owe you a great debt. Thank you.” 

Then, the ride went silent again. I replayed the words in my head again - did I hear that right? She just said, “We owe you a great debt. Thank you.”

That’s the only time anyone has ever thanked me for being a military child, even though I have little experience in military life. I wasn’t sure what to say. Still, I’m having trouble putting the pieces together. 

It’s like when you’re little and you try to put the square block into the circle hole, but it just doesn’t fit. Suddenly, I learned the satisfaction and pride of fitting all the blocks into the correct holes. In that one simple car ride, everything changed for me. I was walking taller, I took more pride in being an American (even though I didn’t think that was possible), and overall, I became a better person. 

My friends noticed the difference in my attitude about a week after.

It was another school day, and everything was going just like normal. My friends had been watching me like hawks trying to figure out what was different. Finally, just like a little kid after an hour of hide and seek, they gave up, and they said in a curious voice, “Why are you so happy?” 

I didn’t even realize how I was acting until they said something about it. I told them, “I don’t know, I just am.” I felt guilty for hiding the real truth, but I knew if I told them, they wouldn’t truly understand… understand my life because it’s so different from theirs, understand just how impactful a simple “thank you” is. 

Seemingly simple situations like a car ride or going on a walk can change everything, including your view on this world and your role within it. And, I hope you know that even though some people may not say it out loud, they are grateful for you.