Monday, November 6, 2017

Veterans Day - Remembering All Who Served




For all the years I can remember, Veterans Day was a day for me to especially honor and thank all the men who served our country in any of the branches of the armed services.  However, I take my gratitude seriously every day of the year.  Never miss an opportunity to tell a veteran thanks for his service.  Sam and I are both that way.  I try to live it all year long, and I could tell you stories of the many men whose faces have lit up when I walked up to them. Whether I was teaching school, doing an errand at Lowe's, or waiting in line at a restaurant or the grocery store.  Our city has a huge military installation, and there are always lots of guys to thank.  There were a few soldier moms around our school.  I thanked them, too, but I didn't know any of them personally.  Some of the best substitute teachers we ever had at our school were ex-military.  The kids loved them and absolutely no behavioral problems.  Yessir!





After teaching for many years, I started a second career in a huge medical facility.  I worked for a group of wonderful doctors in a specialized division of the OB GYN department.  Although, I did not deal with pregnant women, my job called for me to work with many female patients over the years.  I met some incredible women as I gathered needed data for my medical division.  Much of my time was spent right in a standard clinic setting assisting doctors and nurses who were dedicated to helping women who had significant medical issues.  It was a very fulfilling job, and I came to know women of all ages.  Some were still in college, some active in their own careers and raising a family, and some retired.


Over my time in this position, there were a good sized group of veterans accompanying their wives to the doctor's office for support.  I always thanked them before we got down to the data I was recording from the patients themselves.  I thanked the women, too, because when a man is in the service, the whole family is serving.



  

When I started that job, I never thought about meeting a woman soldier, but my Veterans Day post this year is to share with you the stories of two women veterans that I came to know very well over a period of several years.  Most of their medical care was available at the Veteran's Administration Hospital here in town, but there were certain specialty doctors for women that were not available there.  We collaborated with the VA to provide the appropriate care.




Sheri was actually close to my age, and she was already retired.  I never met her husband, because he was also a veteran but with considerable physical impairments.  Sheri had her own set of medical problems that stemmed from her service in Vietnam in the 1960's, but she had cared for her husband for many years.  Although she had not served in combat, this woman had been seriously hurt during her deployment in Nam and suffered a list of medical problems including some brain damage.




She was quite a character.  Bubbly and happy and outgoing.  None of her clothes ever matched, and she had a huge fanny pack (or bum bag for our British readers) because she didn't like purses and always lost them.  She had significant memory issues and became confused easily.  I think she was comfortable talking with a woman near her own age about the medical issue that brought her to us.  We thoroughly enjoyed each other.  I found her to be a delightful person and always thanked her for her service at every visit.  Once she knew how I felt, she proudly wore her Vietnam Veteran's cap to her appointments.  Always felt wonderful that our doctors could help her even though she lost her medications on a regular basis.  Sweet woman who made me laugh.




My other female veteran was a much younger woman in her early thirties.  She had served in combat in Iraq.  Karen was very shy and soft spoken; one might even say "meek."  She had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the doctors suspected she had also been raped.  The medical issues with which she dealt were conclusively related to her time in the service.
  

It took many months of working with Karen before she became more open with me.  Finally she would tell me about her therapy and how she was progressing.  I could see the changes.  There were more smiles and laughter.  Her body language was that of a whole new woman   She was working part time and going to college full time.  She shared stories with me of her time in the service, and I always felt so honored.  Perhaps it was my teaching that made me a good listener.  Karen so appreciated that, and, of course, my gratitude for her service as a soldier.


On Veteran's Day last year, I took the time to write Karen a lengthy email to thank her for her service to the citizens of the US.  Just like I did with my students years before.  Since she did not ever wear anything that would clue people into her years in the armed forces, I can imagine she did not receive much notice.  She wrote me back a lovely thank you note for remembering her and said that it was the only greeting she received that day.  How much it meant to her.




 
Unfortunately, her treatment did not produce the results for which  both she and the doctors so hoped.  To my surprise this did not bother her in the least.  She thanked us all profusely and said how far she had come in the year and a half she was under care at our facility.  We had a bit of a teary farewell, and I wished her my best.



This was what I wanted to share with you for Veterans Day this year.  My personal interactions.  You don't really know someone's story until you make the first move to greet and thank a vet.  I met my first World War II veteran this year, too, and it would not have happened if I felt self conscious about going up to a perfect stranger.  People think, "Oh, I don't want to bother him," and they are so wrong.  I have never had a vet brush me off.  They are always gracious and grateful that people remember.


 

Sam and I have attended many gatherings at which WW II veterans were being honored.  We even were present to sing Happy Birthday to one.  If I remember correctly, he was turning 96 years old.  Everyone stood for that birthday song.  We are running out of time to thank the veterans from that war.  Every day, 372 of them die.  The last figure I saw was that there are only about 558,000 left of the 16 million men and women who served from our nation.  In the UK the figure is much smaller - only about 100,000.  Of course there were the Canadians, the Australians, and the French, as well.




Some veterans went into battle and many more served in other ways.  What they all have in common is their willingness to sacrifice for their nation and its people.  Many will share that they see this as their duty.  I believe the rest of us also have a duty, and that is to thank and honor them in a personal way every chance we get.


            




27 comments:

  1. Hi Ella, what a wonderful, heartfelt post. Joining you in giving thanks to all who have served in our allied forces and their families.

    Hugs
    Roz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Roz,
      I know different countries recognize their veterans on other days. I just looked up Anzac Day in New Zealand. I would be curious to learn more about it. Is it associated with Poppy Day?

      Sending Hugs,
      Ella

      Delete
  2. Miss Ella, I have to say this is such a moving post. I love the interactions you shared. May we all find an opportunity to honor those who served this Veteran's Day.
    --Baker

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Baker,
      Meeting these 2 women enriched my life, and I am thankful for it. My view of our veterans was expanded in a personal way. The individual stories need to be appreciated.

      Ella

      Delete
  3. Ella,
    My Veteran's Day post is almost ready. I love what you wrote and encourage everyone to thank a veteran for service given. I love what you said........ the whole family serves and deployments can be rough. I know.
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mere,
      Whenever I think about the sacrifice of military families, you are at the top of the list. Thank you and Jack for your service, my friend.

      Ella

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Thanks, Sunny,
      They were special women, and I received their trust during their care with us. Speaking of feeling proud!

      Hugs From Ella

      Delete
  5. Ella -
    Just happened to drop by today and saw this - a beautiful post. I could write paragraphs in response to all you wrote but I won't hijack your post.
    Have you ever seen the play "A Piece of My Heart"? Is is about women in the Vietnam War. Highly recommended.
    Best,
    Enzo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a lovely comment you left for me, Enzo. I would love to hear those paragraphs. That is what gives meaning to Veterans Day.

      I will find that movie. Have never heard of it, but I so appreciate the recommendation.

      Thanks and I loved hearing from you!
      Ella

      Delete
    2. Ella - Just to clarify, A Piece of My Heart is a play; not sure it has been made into a movie (even though it deals with the Vietnam war, I don't believe it was written that long ago).

      Delete
    3. Just ordered a copy of the play off Amazon. It has been many years since I have purchased a Samuel French play. I still have copies of plays in which I performed years ago. Thank you again for the tip.

      You can hijack my post any time!
      Ella

      Best,
      Ella

      Delete
  6. Ella, a truly wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your personal interactions.

    Joining you in remembering and thanking all who served in all our armed forces and thier familes.

    Love,
    Ronnie
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ronnie,
      Last year Sam and I read a book called Voices From D-Day written by a British author. We loved the perspective it gave us on the massive preparation on English soil and the hardships for the citizens during that war.

      The book also paints a picture of what it was like at the landings on Sword and Gold beaches. Highly recommend this book.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

      Delete
  7. This is a wonderful, heartfelt post. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These women touched my heart. Don't think I would have the courage to do what they have done.

      Glad you liked it, Blondie!
      Ella

      Delete
  8. Oh Ella...what a beautiful tribute...even if it did make me cry. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Hugs and blessings...Cat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Cat,
      I cry a lot with the stories of veterans and their bravery. Of course, I cry almost every time I sing the national anthem. We have so much for which to be thankful.

      Love,
      Ella

      Delete
  9. This is a lovely post. I think it’s wonderful that a simple acknowledgement or expression of gratitude can make a difference. You obviously made a difference for these two women and continue to do so for so many with your simple but heartfelt thank you. We all love to be appreciated and those who have served and continue to serve deserve recognition as well as our admiration. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Loved this comment, Laurel! Thanks so much. I try to live that personal recognition all year long. There can never be too many thank yous.

      Hugs From Ella

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. Thank you, Bleue. I hope this post showed how deeply I appreciate the veterans. Last night I got to thank 6 more men!

      Ella

      Delete
  11. Lovely tribute to veterans Ella. It made me stop and think more about how much they have done to protect all our countries.
    Hugs Lindy xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love to hear from you,, Lindy. Sam and I are reading a book right now, and I was so surprised to learn that almost a million Aussies served in WWII. We have so much to be thankful for.

      Sending Love and Hugs Downunder,
      Ella

      Delete
  12. Beautiful post Ella. We shall have two minutes silence at 11am on November 11th, Armistice Day, then Remembrance Sunday on 12th here in the UK. Sadly, we don’t show our appreciation for those who serve to the extent that you in the US do.
    Rosie xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi there, Rosie,
    Many people ignore it, but many think it is important to show these men and women how special they are. "Gung ho," I say. Thanks for your comment Rosie! I miss you, girl.

    Hugs Across the Pond,
    Ella

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a beautiful post, Ella! :) I love hearing about your personal interactions with the two women veterans that you worked with. What a difference you must have made to the woman that you wrote the letter to. Lovely! What joy you must have brought to the woman who proudly wore her hat when she came in to meet with you. Reminds me of that Dr. Seuss quote:

    “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.”

    Thank you for reminding us to take the time to talk to our veterans, not just on special days, but every day. Many hugs, and love,

    <3 Katie

    ReplyDelete