Honor

I recently read of two young men who fought together in World War I. They made a pact to take care of the other’s family if either was killed in battle. One man survived and true to his word, he personally assumed the care of his buddy’s mother and sister. The first 11 years of his adult life he struggled just to meet their basis needs for food and shelter. Although the two women were difficult to be around and in no way made his life easier, he took care of them cheerfully, without complaint, for over 30 years. He could have ignored or forgotten his promise when times were tough, but because of his honor, he fulfilled his promise to his buddy until the sister married and the mother died. We seldom hear the phrases “a man of honor” or “a man of his word” today. I wonder how much our country, culture, homes would be changed if those phrases were frequently heard today.