Semper Fi — always faithful

by Bill Rogers, LDHH-H volunteer

Editor’s note:
Since we observed Memorial Day this week, the following post from volunteer Bill Rogers is wonderfully appropriate, not to mention beautifully written.  Bill met and visited with a Marine almost a year ago at Levine & Dickson Hospice House – Huntersville.  This is his emotional recount: 

United States Marines of any generation are taught a sacred oath to offer other Marines when facing pain and difficulty:

“I know you are wounded.
I have come to get you!
I will not let you die.”

In other circumstances, that oath has been delivered to my life by Marines who learned of my pain. 

Last night, in my current volunteer duties at Levine & Dickson Hospice House – Huntersville, I met Sonny, a Marine.  In light of his circumstances, I have now modified that oath.  I offered him this version:

“I know you are wounded.
I have come to be with you!
Along with others, I will help comfort you.”

At which point Sonny said, “But Billy, I want you to let me die.”

My Marine under hospice care died on June 9, 2012.  When last we visited on June 8, 2012, our parting words were:

“Sonny, Semper Fi!” 
“Billy, Semper Fi!”

Explore posts in the same categories: awareness, end of life, hospice, Levine & Dickson Hospice House, spiritual care, volunteering

Tags: Bill Rogers, Levine & Dickson Hospice House - Huntersville, Semper Fi, US Marine Corps

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