wdp Posted July 5 Share Posted July 5 Happy Independence Day! I spent the day at the VA Home in Oxford, MS where we recently moved my Dad on Tues July 2nd. He’s 84 yrs old & a Vietnam Veteran that served two tours over there in the Air Force. Full enlistment was 10 yrs Navy + 12 yrs Air Force. Then another 22 yrs working on the air base as a civilian. My Dad has been slowing declining with dementia over the last 6, 7, or 8 years, especially the last 2 yrs. And it had gotten to the point that my stepmom was overwhelmed and could no longer care for him. Long story short, the last 3 days have been an emotional roller coaster full of doubt, fear, sleepless nights and anxiety. Now the good news: I think I just had the most meaningful 4th of July of my entire life. Not only does my Dad seem to be doing great, but I think he’s happy. He continually walks up and down the halls talking to everyone: the resident veterans, the staff, security, even the janitorial staff. I think he’s truly brightening people’s day. Furthermore, I have made friends with a few of the resident veterans and I’m really enjoying getting to know them and talk to them. There are 3 or 4 that have really touched my heart. I find myself thinking of them often & being inspired. And I look forward to my next visit to see my Dad and my new friends. I feel truly blessed to know these people now, including the sweet wonderful staff, that obviously care about these veterans. Sorry for the long post. I wanna take a moment to thank these brave men and women that have served our country. You deserve the highest honor and admiration. I look forward to making more friends and getting to know my new friends even better at this VA home. THANK YOU VETERANS! And God Bless! (One of my new friends is a former Marine drill sgt and Vietnam Vet named David. We’ve talked during both visits. On my first visit he told me a Marine saying, “You can be an hour early, but don’t be a minute late”. I thought of him as I rushed to get to the VA home on time this morning so my Dad, sister & I could attend devotional. I saw him first thing and told him I remembered the saying. I started with……. you can be an hour early, and he smiled and finished with…. But don’t be a minute late. I looked up and his wife standing behind his wheelchair was grinning ear to ear with tears in her eyes. Yep, I think I’m falling in love with these fine, brave people. And yes, there’s a lump in my throat & tears in my eyes as I write this. And I’m not ashamed.) 8 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOV02 Posted July 5 Share Posted July 5 Happy 4th of July!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirak Posted July 8 Share Posted July 8 Thank you for sharing. As a disabled veteran myself, I am hoping my kids don’t have to move me into a home. That said, I would have found ANYWHERE else to put him. Oxford, MS? Im a die hard state fan…sorry 😂😂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestMassBassMan Posted July 8 Share Posted July 8 God bless Veterans and your dad... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdp Posted July 9 Author Share Posted July 9 22 hours ago, Smirak said: Thank you for sharing. As a disabled veteran myself, I am hoping my kids don’t have to move me into a home. That said, I would have found ANYWHERE else to put him. Oxford, MS? Im a die hard state fan…sorry 😂😂 I’m a die hard MSU Bulldog myself. And I’m wearing my maroon apparel proudly every time I visit the va home there. 😂 @Smirak Almost forgot to thank you for your service! Thank you sir & wishing you good health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirak Posted July 10 Share Posted July 10 23 hours ago, wdp said: I’m a die hard MSU Bulldog myself. And I’m wearing my maroon apparel proudly every time I visit the va home there. 😂 @Smirak Almost forgot to thank you for your service! Thank you sir & wishing you good health. It was my honor @wdp as soon as I hit send, I saw your signature say “we ring true” and knew I was in good company! I’m originally from MS and my family has gone to State since the late 20s. My grandfather sold block ice on Main Street during the depression to keep being able to pay tuition. He graduated in ‘31 back when it was still MS A&M. My dad was a starting pitcher in the 60s and my cousin was an all American football player there…needless to say, I’ve got ties. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krisjack69 Posted July 11 Share Posted July 11 What a beautiful and heartwarming post, wdp! I'm so glad to hear that your dad is doing well and that you're forming connections with the other veterans and staff at the VA home. It's clear that you're making a positive impact on their lives, and they're doing the same for you. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story and for honoring our brave veterans. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.