When we learned our new patient served in the Army in WWII and Korea, during which he received 11 medals including 2 silver stars and a purple heart, we knew his WHV recognition had to be extra special.
Our patient’s daughter hosted a big family party, so with a large group of loved ones and a few staff members present, Mr. Wilcox received a formal pinning ceremony and a baseball cap courtesy of the Post Commander of our local American Legion. We were also proud to present him with our certificate of appreciation and a special Quilt of Valor courtesy of a local volunteer.
I squatted beside our patient to speak quietly with him, and to thank him. He said it was so hard, and didn’t talk about his time of service. Then, amazingly, he held his hand out to me. I took it, and he began to open up and share some deeply personal, heartbreaking memories from his time of service. That moment of connection will stay with me for the rest of my days.
