Stand Tall

Adversity takes many shapes: war, injury, broken relationships, or natural disaster. Despite the magnitude of these challenges, people can persevere and emerge stronger, which the Benton family demonstrates in Stand Tall.

Grandpa shows resilience both in Vietnam and in his life afterward as an injured veteran. The war itself was challenging, and Tree’s grandfather candidly reflects on being shot in the leg:

I wasn’t strong enough to handle it […] Then a chaplain came over, asked how I was doing. I told him […] He grabbed my hand and said the shortest prayer: ‘Lord, let this man’s best years be ahead of him.’ […] That prayer just stuck. I couldn’t shake it. I got home a month later. I’ve never had much luck with the leg, but I say that prayer close to every day (43).

Initially, he believes that he is incapable of handling such a severe injury. However, with the chaplain’s support, he learns a strategy to cope. Through prayer, the chaplain instills optimism, for the “best years” are yet to come. Repeating this prayer daily allows Grandpa to cope his challenges. This optimism is coupled with a sense of humor, as Grandpa often jokes about his situation. When Grandpa relishes that he no longer needs to find matching socks in the laundry, Tree notes, “You’ve got to love a man who can teach you to laugh at war” (73).