Last nite at hospice training we got to talk with the hospice doctor and after that a hospice social worker, both fine folk doing good stuff. After that, we watched a video on hospice work with veterans dying of old age and its various ills. An excellent video by a knowledgeable person. But then, BUT THEN, something just stuck in my craw. So I'll see if I can spit it out.
Now I know that when I signed up for the Marines, I really messed up by choosing a three year period when there was no war. Oh, we loaded up with live ammo and floated off the coast of Lebanon for a while and we did war games around Korea and on Taiwan, but there was no carnage of combat. My bad, as they say these days. Forgive my lack of experience of wading in blood.
Still, if I am in a V.A. hospital or elsewhere and dying, DON'T COME GIVING ME A PIECE OF PAPER honoring me for my service, and for heaven's sake, DON'T COME PINNING A FLAG on my hospice / hospital gown. Especially as some misguided attempt at therapy.
Maybe I'm the only veteran in the world that feels this way and all you other vets want and need this. Fine. And maybe this is an indication of deep psychological issues and an underlying sociopathic nature on my part. Fine.
I've been this way as long as I've known me. I have always been on the move and took no time to hang around for honors. Do the job and get out of town is my style. I like it that way.
If I am ever in that particular dying situation, if you want to give me anything, give me a hug. I'll receive it and give it back simultaneously. Then just shut the f**k up and move on. Don't give me an award while I'm lying there defenseless.
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Hugs George, my old geezer friend! It's Jordi - You guest lectured a class for me at ASU... But I've moved the f**ck on, in NYC now! Hugs! JC
ReplyDeleteJordi, I love you darling! I always knew you were destined for the big time. The things you can do with mind and body are amazing. Blessings to your sweet spirit!
ReplyDeleteBrother George, Neveer thought of it that way, but I think you have it right. As you know I also did my thing during a time of relative peace (not that it made a big difference sailing around the west Pacific in one of uncles's big boats). Now when I reach that stage, just wait until the end, pack up my ashes and hand them to the first sailor leaving port (I trust he will know what to do with them). Brother Dick
ReplyDeleteDick, I appreciate your end wishes. Hunter Thompson must have been in Artillery since he had his ashes shot out of a cannon. I've thought if I still had the energy of walking off into the mountains and letting the wolves, coyotes, porcupines, buzzards, and skunks have a go. Probably will settle for the ashes however. Love to you, Brother!
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