Little girl: what’s on your arm? me: they’re battle scars.

little girl: you fought in a war?

me: yeah. a long and hard one.

little girl: that’s so cool! can i get one?

me: no. please do not ever get any. but i’ll tell you what. whenever you see someone else with battle scars, i want you to hug them. okay? can you promise me?

little girl: yes. i promise.

a few days later we went on a short shopping spree. suddenly the little girl let go of my hand and ran up to another random teenager

teen: why are you hugging me?

little girl: because.. (*points*) you have battle scars just like my babysitter.

the teen looked up at me, and i rolled up my sleeves to show her. with tears in her eyes, she said one thing to me..

teen: my war is far from being finished right now, but i am not done fighting.

she bends down at eye level with the little girl

teen: thanks for giving me the strength to keep . you are forever my war hero.