If you take the time...

I was standing by the gas pump feeding my thirsty motorhome when an old timer pulled up at the pump next to me. He got out and walked over.
"Hey, how many gallons does that thing take?" he asked.
"75," I answered. "And I only get about 7 miles per gallon. Guess you could say I have a big carbon footprint." He laughed at that. "But you know what?" I added.  "When I finally get to where I am going, my carbon footprint is really quite small. It's not like I'm running a big home or condo with a pool."
He nodded in agreement at this and I noticed his Korean War Veteran's hat. "Korea eh? Were you at Chosin Reservoir?"
"No. I was in the Navy on a cruiser named the USS Worcester.  We had 6 " guns that when fired leaned that ship over far enough to slide you right off the deck." We introduced ourselves and Wally went on to talk more about his service. He later spent 5 years on the aircraft carrier Forrestal. (my favorite plastic model as a kid)
I was really warming up to this guy and pretty soon we were like old friends.
"I'm 90 years old," Wally said proudly, and spoke about his latest checkup at the doc who proclaimed him "fit as a fiddle".
"Wow! You look much younger. What's your secret?"
"I eat right and I do lots of walking!"
" I bet you have a good wife that takes care of you."
"I sure do!" he replied.
Just then my pump clicked off and I found myself surprised at how quickly the last 5 minutes had sped by with this kindly man. (It takes AT LEAST five minutes to fill the big tank)"I guess it's time for me to go Wally. But before I do I want to thank you for your service to our country." Wally gave me a big toothy grin and we shook hands. "Wally, can I get a picture of us to remember this little talk?"
"Why sure!"

Thank you Wally for a great moment in time. Gosh I love this country!
ONe more thought: I think that Wally looks like my friend Doug DeRancy will look at age 90!