To those who extend protecting arms

With the cross-country season drawing nearer the girls decided that it was time to kick-start their training. This season Lilli had heard that the middle school and high school athletes choose to complete their training in the mornings so following suit, she has decided she needs to run in the early morning, to Riyann’s and my dismay. To many, losing an hour’s sleep is menial, but to me, at this point in life it has become ever increasingly more difficult to drag myself out of my bed. But I do.

As we began the day’s journey, last week, I noticed that the Ozarks were in a special form. The beauty of the early morning ambiance coupled with an opportunity to tag along with the girls was all the payment I needed. As I trailed the girls, of course from the comfort of my air-conditioned vehicle, I sucked in my surroundings and found some quiet time to reflect.

As I watched the girls’ run, I noticed movement from my right side. As I attempted to focus on what I was seeing I observed Lilli, the older of the two, rapidly extend her arm towards her younger sister. At that moment, what I saw moving became apparent. The girls had come upon a bedded deer. Startled, the deer leaped from its space of comfort and ran off. I watched as Lillie’s attention was drawn to the deer and her first inclination was not of herself and her safety but that of her sister.

I will admit I was a bit surprised by Lilli’s actions. Being normal adolescent children, the girls go through the routine love-hate relationship between themselves. At that moment, all angst, dislike, and frustration between sisters were placed on the back burner and her only purpose was to protect her sister from what unknown creature lurked in the woods.

As I watched Lilli extend her arm of protection, I thought about just how often I do the same. Seemingly a pure reaction, I have extended the same arm of safety with each yellow signal light, close call, and poor driver, to the person sitting in the passenger seat. Although fully understanding that in the event of true trouble the simple gesture will bear little significance other than a valiant attempt, the action seems to have been hard wired deep inside from my father and surely passed on by his.

Let us consider the true benefit of extending an arm of protection to others. For it is when we reach out in an attempt to shield another from pain that our true sacrifice is viewable. Thinking about Lilli’s attempts to protect her sister reminded me of the ultimate reason we celebrate the Memorial Day holiday. For countless men and women, they extended their arm in an attempt to ensure that you and I could rest easily in the comfort of safety and protection. Their gallant efforts cost them everything and paved the way for each of us to live life to the fullest. Lilli could have done very little to shield her sister from danger, but she gave it her best shot. May we always show a willingness to extend an arm of protection to those around us. Even if the threat, discomfort, or scary things run the other way, others can rest easier with the knowledge that we have their backs. Rest easy my friends.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 9 to 29.