Friday, November 30, 2007

The Gift

Sometimes you get gifts and you think, "Great. Another tie." You give that overly pleased smile and a hearty "Thanks!" The gift is forgotten almost as soon as you move onto the next present.

Sometimes you get a gift and are profoundly moved.

Today I received a rather large guitar-shaped box. I was very excited because I ordered a guitar from Operation Happy Note about 2 months ago, and I thought this was it.

I was wrong.

I knew something was strange when I saw the really cool hard case. It's actually a nicer case then the one I keep my Martin in back home. I opened it and was speechless. Inside is a beautiful Gibson/Epiphone acoustic guitar signed by none other than Steve Earle. For those of you who have never heard of Steve, you've certainly heard his music. He's played soundtracks for just about every movie worth watching (and some that perhaps weren't). He's probably better known for his anti-war views and outspoken political commentary. He's the guy who is willing to take on a different or unpopular view in order to challenge your way of thinking - sort of a Devil's Advocate on a larger stage.

In short, my kind of guy.

I certainly don't agree with all of his views, but we share the same spirit. I just learned we even shared an address, having both lived in Schertz, TX. In case you were wondering, Mr. Earle did not send this guitar.

I'd like to tell you the guy who DID send it. He's a writer and a journalist (not the same thing at all). He's a suburban Dad. He's a half-way decent poker player.

And he's my friend.

Brad, you may never know how much this means to me, but I hope to get the chance to tell you in person some day soon. And I promise, no matter how hard it will be to leave behind, it will continue to bring pleasure to deployed troubadours until the last one comes home.


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

That picture brings a tear to my eye. There is nothing more comforting than something familiar when you are so far away from home.

Otis said...

I haven't been happier about something in a very long time. Come home safe, Doc.

Daddy said...

That pretty much fucking rules.

nh Otis.
nh Chako.
gg.

AlCantHang said...

Otis is a good man, not that we didn't know that already.

BamBam said...

He's a gem isn't he ! No wonder I want to drink with Otis so bad this week. For the record, I will be buying Otis a round for this gesture, in your absense. I figure you're good for it and we can have that drink another day.

I like to see that smile in the picture.

Be safe !

BadBlood said...

Yeah, this does pretty much rule.

Joaquin "The Rooster" Ochoa said...

Dr. Chako...you will be missed in Vegas this coming weekend but write a song about check raising tourist for us.

See you at the next gathering and you have a little kid on x-mas smile on your face.

911siren said...

Way to make a grown woman cry like a child! That was so beautiful. Brad, you made my brother very happy today. Happy in the hell-hole of war and I cannot thank you enough!

Sister Michele (not a nun)

Anonymous said...

Dr. Chako,
Great Blog! Wonderful Gift. Very Moving Sentiments. My best example of great gifts is my children, and by virtue of chronology, that puts you, Dr Chako, at the top of the heap.
Stay well. Stay Safe.
Love,
Dad

Blonde said...

I came here via Al Can't Hang and StB...

My brother is serving in Iraq on his 3rd tour and I know all too well how the kindness and generosity of strangers at home is a comfort to those away from home serving our country.

My brother is fortunate to receive packages from friends and family, but others in his unit aren't as fortunate. I send everything I can including 100 boxes of girl scout cookies, I send little decorated trees at Christmas and anything I can.

I am going to post the link StB has on his page to promote the gift of music now too.

Thank you for serving our country, and I wish you a happy holiday.

With Wetness,
Blonde

Unknown said...

Speechless.

Get home soon Doc.