Meet Jim, Vietnam Vet. Because I tend to talk to everyone I meet, sometimes without any introductions, I found a delightful story-teller in Jim, who has lived in Santa Fe for the past six years.
My DH and I met Jim in an outdoor takeout restaurant, and we spent a pleasurable time with him, listening to his life stories. Jim is a born colorful story-teller but wasn't interested in my suggestion that he write a memoir of his experiences; instead he is content living with his cat and reading good books, many of them about Vietnam.
Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY
Glad he made it home alive from Vietnam. Enjoying life with good books is a fine way of living if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteVietnam was THE defining event in the lives of so many veterans. In some ways, I think it was our most unusual and difficult war. It's good to see him doing so well.
ReplyDeleteOne of the lessons we learned from Vietnam is to treat service members and veterans better.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he is enjoying life and telling his stories. I bet he enjoys meeting people from all over the country.
ReplyDeleteInteresting; perhaps you can share with us the interesting stories briefly too :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always careful about the details I reveal of the people I photograph, although Jim was candid about the details of his life. Because he didn't appear interested in publishing anything about himself, I refrained from posting any of the colorful details he told us.
Deletebless him - and his simple life. :)
ReplyDeleteI like Zannie's suggestion. There is a art to good story telling. My Dad was one of the best.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if this guy even has a computer?
A fine portrait of Jim.
ReplyDeleteKate, I love how you strike up a conversation with all you meet.
ReplyDeletePeople are fascinating and everyone wants to be heard.
Great post.
nice portrait of jim.
ReplyDeletefrankly my dear
Lovely portrait Kate. I always love to read the snippets you provide on the people you take photos of.
ReplyDeleteInteresting tale of a person who is a part of history
ReplyDeleteI bet he has some great stories. Hopefully, he doesn't have nightmares about his time in Nam.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
Many Vietnam vets don't talk about that experience; some don't talk much at all. I think it's appropriate to be careful what we share about people we meet unless we've got permission.
ReplyDeleteI love meeting people and learning what they have lived.
ReplyDeleteAnn
That he would choose to share his stories with you is a gift, I am glad you are being respectful of that gift. Those tales are his alone to share or not. I love talking (in general,lol) and find myself learning all kinds of things about people just because I started a conversation, most of the time I am really glad I did! Looks like Jim is glad of your conversation too!
ReplyDeleteWas lunch outside a bit cool. He looks bundled. hahaha
ReplyDeleteHow gratifying that he made it home and is happy with his books :)
ReplyDelete