A gentleman came into our office about a week past and noticed one of our staff members wearing a military-issued sweater belonging to her husband who is in the army.
Now I must say that I wasn't privy to the conversation that took place so I can't speak to what his intent was when he commented to her. I only know the aftermath of that brief encounter.
This gentleman informed her that he recognized the sweater as being army issued as he himself had been a reservist at some point and he didn't think it was appropriate for her to be wearing it, and his taxpayers’ dollars actually paid for the garment. He went on to say that her husband could be in big trouble if he decided to report him. My co-worker was stunned and fumbled for something to say to him and did manage to say, "Well you are going to have to find him first." So just to make your job a little easier I have decided to tell you where he is.
He has been deployed to Afghanistan for the next six months. You might think of catching him when he comes home for Christmas, but alas, he doesn't get to come home to be with his family this holiday. He is on manoeuvres at this time so no one can tell you his location as he is without communication with his family for a least a couple of weeks so my co-worker doesn't know where his is either. They have two young daughters, one of which is having a very hard time having her daddy away in such a dangerous place. My friend has put pictures of him all over her house so her little girls can feel their daddy in every room.
Which brings me back to the sweater. The sweater was left and meant to be worn as a warm hug from her partner. If she is feeling cold, alone or scared, she wears his sweater. On the day you were in, she wasn't well and needed a hug from her husband.
Perhaps it wasn't your intent but your comment really did add insult to injury for her and upset her greatly.
Please remember that he is over in Afghanistan trying to secure what we all say we want — Peace on Earth. Please do your part by promoting goodwill to all men here at home.
Name withheld by request, St. Albert
