I agreed to put in a few hours for Hospice today. They had a new patient that they wanted me to do an intake on. So I spent 3 hours today at the home of G. – a man with lung cancer. He has an approximate 3 month prognosis, and is in extremely good manner about it. He’s a former POW from WWII and an active veteran with his local VFW. He wants to remain active in it as much as possible and for as long as possible.
After I was done answering his questions and then doing his physical assessment and going through his medications – – he looked at me and said, “I don’t care what happens between now and when I die – except for one thing. I am going to stay alive long enough to vote, dammit. If you think for one moment that I’m going to let John Kerry hijack our nation’s military, you’re nuts. I’m not going to let that happen without knowing that at least I voted for the right man, George W. Bush.”
I said, “G. – you’re going to vote on Nov. 2nd if I have to come down here and drive you to your local polling area, myself.”
He says, “Really? You’d do that? Because otherwise I’d have to take a cab”
So, on November 2nd, I have a date 30 miles away. I’ll cast my vote here, first – then head down to Milwaukee and help G. cast his. I think it’s the very least I can do for a former POW who is casting his very last vote in his life.
(PS – oh yea, and before my good friends from the left ask the obvious question, the answer is yes. Yes I would.)
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You just won a hero medal (and probably the extra fancy harp in the other place).
Lisa, I actually have tears in my eyes from reading this. Call me a cheesy girly girl but I don’t care. We are losing so many of the WWII Vets daily. They were, are and will always be one of the greatest generations this country has ever seen. Hero award is right – you are great lady Lisa.
John, Lori – it’s something I believe anyone would do, if given the chance. I see it as an honor and a really fortunate opportunity. I’m the lucky one in this scenario, I do believe.
Thank you both 🙂
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Lisa…that’s so awesome! 🙂
You’ve got to vote EARLY, damn it!
You’re killing me! I’m in tears here!
God Bless him…
ali
Lisa…what an exceptionally nice thing to do for G! Many thanks for bringing some joy to his final days.
that’s just fucking great. i’m sure dubya and all the tobacco lobbyists would approve… i bet he really enjoyed the “free” smokes the u.s. sent him during the war…
Hey, “thanks for not caring” (if that is, indeed, your real name lol) – go find yourself something nice to do for someone this week – – you’ll feel better about yourself, really you will.
It’s much better than leaving ignorant, random, anonymous comments that does nothing but show your ass.
Ali and Todd – thanks 🙂 It is going to be a special day for him, he’s looking forward to it a great deal 🙂
Hey thanks for not caring, you are an ignorant shit. Where is your compassion for a man who is dying and also a man who helped to defend the world from the Nazis? What have YOU done with your life or the lives of others? So the man is voting for Bush, big whoopee deal – that’s no reason to act the way you are acting on this blog.
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Had to think long and hard to think of the obvious question (its “would you do it for a Democrat?” isn’t it?). Good for you, I’m sure your car has 4 seats, does G have any friends?
‘thanks for not caring’ your an ass.
you are so good, Lisa 🙂
God, I have tears in my eyes – that’s so awesome.
I now feel almost bad mentioning something so trivial as a Packer win.
I have to admit this didn’t bring tears to my eyes, but rather a smile to my face because knowing Lisa I wouldn’t expect anything less 😉
Hey, K – – don’t be foolish! There is NOTHING trivial about a Packer win!! 😀
UG – aww, knock it off. You’re gonna ruin my reputation as a real bad ass. 👿
Wow! My sister told me about your blog. I am especially bowled over by your kindness and generosity towards this man. You’ve inspired me to keep my mind and heart open for opportunities to help others. What you are doing for this vet is what my husband and I are trying to instill in our son. Thank you!
Lisa, when you next see G, please tell him that a family in eastern Washington sends him their gratitude.
Lisa, when I go to my own polling place here in Southern Wisconsin, I’ll be thinking of you and G. Very touching story, and very caring of you to help G cast his vote.
hello my name is michael and i am 16 years old
hello
that’s great michael, what’s the point?