I got this in an email from my aunt forwarded from my uncle. My grandfather (maternal) served in the Korean conflict. On July 20, 1950 he was severely wounded and almost killed. My uncle writes...
"Here is the difference one step can make. That mortar shell that blew open his chest(taking 3/4 of his sternum) and arms could have very well landed on him and blown him to bits. Had our father taken one more running lunge (about 3ft) he would have been killed and we as children/family, grand kids, great grand kids etc... would not be here. The Good Lord above intervened and here we all are. This date, July 20, 1950 is a key date in our family's history. Mom and Dad would not have married, and we would not exist today. On this day I thank God for his greatness and all he has done for our families, and I especially am grateful for the difference one step can make.....I love you all! may God continue to bless and hold you all." - JMag
It's interesting, I never considered the difference a step could make before. I have never seen my grandfather as a hero, though I am grateful for his service and sacrifice to his country. However, the memories I have of the man are not too pleasant though I did love him. He died of cirrhosis of the liver when I was in the 5th or 6th, mostly due to alcohol abuse. I remember he was bed ridden for most of the time I could remember him. I know he was a man who loved his children but each of them can tell you different stories and memories of the man they remember, a hero, a father, a drunk, an abuser, a provider, a good and a bad man. The truth is, it doesn't matter. Because of who he was, it doesn't matter. It was by the grace of God, our true Father we, our family, are here today.
A single step in life can alter our lives forever. Every choice we make has a consequence, good or bad. Our past shapes us but it does not define us.
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