Skylar Sweet
Camouflage
Neil grabbed the mail from his mailbox. He shuffled through the files and envelopes in the pile. He found a letter addressed to him from the military. He opened it with shaky hands, and a wave of emotion came over him. He read the letter, and realized that he was being drafted. He was headed to Fort Bragg shortly after.
Boot camp was tough for him. He had to go through tons of training to get fit enough. After months upon months, Neil was sent into his first combat.
Neal sat on the plane with sweaty palms and weak knees, dreading what was to come. He knew he had trained for this, but he was still nervous. He spoke with his friends as the plane flew..
“Are you guys ready?” They asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be..” Neal mumbled.
They heard the pilot speak through the microphone in the cockpit.
“We will be landing in approximately ten minutes. Be ready.”
Neal settled back into his chair, and gripped the armrest of his seat tightly. He shut his eyes and thought about his family back at home. He shed a tear at the realization that he may not ever come home. He quickly wiped the tear with a flick of his finger, and began to gather his things. The plane soon landed and Neal stood up, although he was shaky. He stepped off hesitantly, and they headed off to the camp.
Neal knew things were changing in his life when he saw the other people dressed in camouflage. He made eye contact with the soldier across from him, and they exchanged somber nods. Neil thought to himself,
“This is my family now. This is all I have here.”
Soon, he was inside the tent. He was getting to know other people and he felt more and more comfortable every minute. That suddenly changed when he heard a loud explosion.
“Get down!” A voice yelled. Bombs were going off left and right. Neal could not hear, but he was conscious. He gasped in shock as one more bomb went off, and he felt an excruciating pain in his right leg. He looked down, and saw blood running from his leg. There were shards in his leg, and the pain was unbearable. He took a deep breath, and then everything went black.
He awoke to a bumpy car ride. Everything was fuzzy, but he made out the shape of a face. He was silent at first, but he soon realized that they looked vaguely familiar.
“Where am I?” He questioned the blurry face.
“You’re on your way to the MASH.”
He learned that he had been hit with shrapnel from the one of the bombs.
“How bad is it?” Neal asked.
“It’s pretty serious. You’re going to be injured for a while.” Neal sighed somberly, but there wasn’t much he could do. He accepted it, and fell back asleep.
At the MASH, he was told that he would be sent to a different hospital, in Tokyo, because they could only do so much. From that hospital, he was sent back to America because the wound was extreme. Neal was strong and he survived, and he even received a Purple Heart for his service.
Camouflage
Neil grabbed the mail from his mailbox. He shuffled through the files and envelopes in the pile. He found a letter addressed to him from the military. He opened it with shaky hands, and a wave of emotion came over him. He read the letter, and realized that he was being drafted. He was headed to Fort Bragg shortly after.
Boot camp was tough for him. He had to go through tons of training to get fit enough. After months upon months, Neil was sent into his first combat.
Neal sat on the plane with sweaty palms and weak knees, dreading what was to come. He knew he had trained for this, but he was still nervous. He spoke with his friends as the plane flew..
“Are you guys ready?” They asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be..” Neal mumbled.
They heard the pilot speak through the microphone in the cockpit.
“We will be landing in approximately ten minutes. Be ready.”
Neal settled back into his chair, and gripped the armrest of his seat tightly. He shut his eyes and thought about his family back at home. He shed a tear at the realization that he may not ever come home. He quickly wiped the tear with a flick of his finger, and began to gather his things. The plane soon landed and Neal stood up, although he was shaky. He stepped off hesitantly, and they headed off to the camp.
Neal knew things were changing in his life when he saw the other people dressed in camouflage. He made eye contact with the soldier across from him, and they exchanged somber nods. Neil thought to himself,
“This is my family now. This is all I have here.”
Soon, he was inside the tent. He was getting to know other people and he felt more and more comfortable every minute. That suddenly changed when he heard a loud explosion.
“Get down!” A voice yelled. Bombs were going off left and right. Neal could not hear, but he was conscious. He gasped in shock as one more bomb went off, and he felt an excruciating pain in his right leg. He looked down, and saw blood running from his leg. There were shards in his leg, and the pain was unbearable. He took a deep breath, and then everything went black.
He awoke to a bumpy car ride. Everything was fuzzy, but he made out the shape of a face. He was silent at first, but he soon realized that they looked vaguely familiar.
“Where am I?” He questioned the blurry face.
“You’re on your way to the MASH.”
He learned that he had been hit with shrapnel from the one of the bombs.
“How bad is it?” Neal asked.
“It’s pretty serious. You’re going to be injured for a while.” Neal sighed somberly, but there wasn’t much he could do. He accepted it, and fell back asleep.
At the MASH, he was told that he would be sent to a different hospital, in Tokyo, because they could only do so much. From that hospital, he was sent back to America because the wound was extreme. Neal was strong and he survived, and he even received a Purple Heart for his service.
Kimberlynne
Margie and Cliff
My husband Cliff and I have gone through so much together. I had breast cancer but fought hard and got through it. Years later, Cliff and I had received some dreaded news, we were going to have to battle cancer together again, but this time it wasn’t me. It was Cliff, he had been diagnosed with brain cancer. I was in such shock and couldn’t believe it. Although, Cliff had no fear. He told me not to worry about him and everything is going to be just fine. The way he acted made it seem like there was nothing wrong with him. Even with having the cancer he went on with his life, like it wasn’t even there. He fought long and hard, but the cancer soon took his life. It was a rough time for my me, but also for our four kids and all the grand kids who all love him.
Amber, the youngest and our only daughter was the one who stepped up and was right there for me when I needed her most. A little while after the tragedy, Amber, her husband Brad and I decided it would be best for them and the kids to move in with me. The house was way too big for me to have all to myself, and I didn’t like being alone. Although I have my dog Izzi to keep me company. So we all put our heads together and got the idea to build a smaller house and connect it to the bigger part. I designed the layout of my new house. Cliff and I have designed and built many houses together, so I have quite a bit of experience. Although it was much different doing it alone without his assistance and opinion. We then separated the houses with just one room, unsure of what to use it for yet. We had this room to keep the house connected but separate all at the same time. This way with the salon separating, Amber and her family could still have her own home, but are still right there. Amber is a hairstylist and had a salon in her house where she was living, so I got the idea to recreate the salon here so she was still able to do hair from home.
My youngest grandchild, Kenzie, was born shortly after they got all moved in. Her and I became two peas in a pod. Just about as soon as she could walk and talk she and I were best friends. She would run over to my house any chance she could, we would have to keep such a close eye on her all the time. It was so good to have Kenzie, her and I have a bond like no other. She may be little but she made a big impact without Cliff being around.
I had a rough time without Cliff. I was usually a stay at home mom, he was the provider for our family. I had little jobs like a nurse aid for a while, day care, gift shop, apple packing, but it wasn’t ever a full time job. Cliff did so much for me. When I had been diagnosed with breast cancer, Cliff took over a lot of the work around the house. With me being sick that was what needed to happen to keep everything running smoothly at home. I was so lost without him. He had done all the laundry before that it was tough for me to get used to doing it all herself. I do admit, he spoiled me with doing the chores around the house.
Without Cliff around it was a lot different. The television wasn’t blaring on max volume how Cliff would have it. Watching football games aren’t even close to being the same. We don’t hear Cliff yelling at the television, like the players could hear him. Or hear him getting angry when they didn’t listen to what he told them to do. We didn’t hear the snoring bear, or have anyone fall asleep in mid-conversation. Cliff had a great life, he taught all of our grandkids the verse John 3:16, they still have it memorized to this day. He's known and loved by so many people. To this day people will tell me how much they love Cliff and how he is such a great, funny, and talented guy. He was hardworking and always had something to do.
Although life was very different without Cliff by my side, I found ways to remember him positively.
“Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be just fine.” Cliff said this to me often, reminding me that he was strong and fearless. He knew God has a plan for him which caused him to not fear what would happen. I was and still am very heartbroken that cancer had to take his life, but I couldn’t stand to see him like that. That was not the man I know and love. He was still himself on the inside but on the outside he was suffering. Not a day goes by without thinking about him. He told me not to cry, and just be happy. I made the most of it when we had our last few minutes together. Even with the heartbreak my family was there to help me get through it.
Margie and Cliff
My husband Cliff and I have gone through so much together. I had breast cancer but fought hard and got through it. Years later, Cliff and I had received some dreaded news, we were going to have to battle cancer together again, but this time it wasn’t me. It was Cliff, he had been diagnosed with brain cancer. I was in such shock and couldn’t believe it. Although, Cliff had no fear. He told me not to worry about him and everything is going to be just fine. The way he acted made it seem like there was nothing wrong with him. Even with having the cancer he went on with his life, like it wasn’t even there. He fought long and hard, but the cancer soon took his life. It was a rough time for my me, but also for our four kids and all the grand kids who all love him.
Amber, the youngest and our only daughter was the one who stepped up and was right there for me when I needed her most. A little while after the tragedy, Amber, her husband Brad and I decided it would be best for them and the kids to move in with me. The house was way too big for me to have all to myself, and I didn’t like being alone. Although I have my dog Izzi to keep me company. So we all put our heads together and got the idea to build a smaller house and connect it to the bigger part. I designed the layout of my new house. Cliff and I have designed and built many houses together, so I have quite a bit of experience. Although it was much different doing it alone without his assistance and opinion. We then separated the houses with just one room, unsure of what to use it for yet. We had this room to keep the house connected but separate all at the same time. This way with the salon separating, Amber and her family could still have her own home, but are still right there. Amber is a hairstylist and had a salon in her house where she was living, so I got the idea to recreate the salon here so she was still able to do hair from home.
My youngest grandchild, Kenzie, was born shortly after they got all moved in. Her and I became two peas in a pod. Just about as soon as she could walk and talk she and I were best friends. She would run over to my house any chance she could, we would have to keep such a close eye on her all the time. It was so good to have Kenzie, her and I have a bond like no other. She may be little but she made a big impact without Cliff being around.
I had a rough time without Cliff. I was usually a stay at home mom, he was the provider for our family. I had little jobs like a nurse aid for a while, day care, gift shop, apple packing, but it wasn’t ever a full time job. Cliff did so much for me. When I had been diagnosed with breast cancer, Cliff took over a lot of the work around the house. With me being sick that was what needed to happen to keep everything running smoothly at home. I was so lost without him. He had done all the laundry before that it was tough for me to get used to doing it all herself. I do admit, he spoiled me with doing the chores around the house.
Without Cliff around it was a lot different. The television wasn’t blaring on max volume how Cliff would have it. Watching football games aren’t even close to being the same. We don’t hear Cliff yelling at the television, like the players could hear him. Or hear him getting angry when they didn’t listen to what he told them to do. We didn’t hear the snoring bear, or have anyone fall asleep in mid-conversation. Cliff had a great life, he taught all of our grandkids the verse John 3:16, they still have it memorized to this day. He's known and loved by so many people. To this day people will tell me how much they love Cliff and how he is such a great, funny, and talented guy. He was hardworking and always had something to do.
Although life was very different without Cliff by my side, I found ways to remember him positively.
“Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be just fine.” Cliff said this to me often, reminding me that he was strong and fearless. He knew God has a plan for him which caused him to not fear what would happen. I was and still am very heartbroken that cancer had to take his life, but I couldn’t stand to see him like that. That was not the man I know and love. He was still himself on the inside but on the outside he was suffering. Not a day goes by without thinking about him. He told me not to cry, and just be happy. I made the most of it when we had our last few minutes together. Even with the heartbreak my family was there to help me get through it.
J.C.
Taking Demands in World War ll
William Mersey stood straight up and looked uncommonly tall. Mud all over his hands, and pants, as he stood aside his buddy in one straight line. As soldiers walked passed looking at the men with fierce eye contact. Soldiers started to pick random people that looked like they were buff and ripped. And looked ready for what was next.
“You come here,” all a sudden he heard, his heart started race faster than he could blink. “Sir yes Sir,” he said. “Are you ready for what next” as yelled with spit coming out of his mouth. “Sir yes Sir” as he muttered, as he repeated much more louder. “Are you ready for what next”, “Sir yes Sir” he said this time but much more louder. “I think we are done here” one of the soldiers said, “The people that we picked come with us” another soldier said.
What felt like a long trip was indeed short, as his throbbing heart started to race. He was worrying if this could be the end or not. “You scared” he heard from a new recruit next to him “yea very scared” he said “don’t be” the recruit said. “The Big Bird has landed” said the flight navigator. “Welcome to Virginia boys”. The soldier had said “Let’s take you to all your station. You all play a specific role in this” another soldier said. “You come here” he heard, “I will be taking you to your station”.
“What’s this” he said, “This will be your station as a welder, until we need you at another one”. The soldier said “another one” he said “yea another one we will be seeing where to make your permanent spot”.
“William” he heard “time to go. You be getting drafted to you knew spot will you will be learning how to be an engineer on planes” …
“Time to go”, he heard again but in a more roughed voice “Here will be your permanent spot to be a surgeon. We have lots of people being welders and engineers. We need more people saving lives from the battlefield”. “Do you understand your assignment task force for now on” the soldier said “Sir yes Sir” he said. “You can take over now Latinate Anderson” the soldier said. “Are you ready for what’s next” Latinate Anderson spoke. “You will be in training, to help these soldier live, do we understand each other” “Sir, Yes, Sir”
“first day of training starts now, are we ready to begin” “Yes, Sir”
What felt like seven years of training was only six months, he thought to himself. “this exhaustion is killing me” he quietly said to Latinate Anderson. “Do you think that the men and women of this war give a damn if you’re tired. They bust their asses every day to fight for our country and you say you’re tired”. “Sir, Anderson that’s not how I meant to put it”. “We’ll finish this conversation later. Right now we have bigger problems better get to work”. So he looked of his shoulder and saw his first person he had to save.
“What happened” he said “RPG attack, man came out of nowhere”. “Okay I’ll take over from here I promise I will get him the treatment he needs”, “Thank you” the soldier said.
After two hours of medical work on the patient, they were not getting anywhere with the soldier.
“We have to pull the plug on him, son” Latinate Anderson spoke. “No I can save him I have to try, I promised that soldier, I promised him I would save him”. “There is no saving, his wounds are too bad” “I have to try, I have to try more”. “I’m the boss here I tell you what to do and if I say pull the plug pull it” “Don’t make promises you can’t keep kid”.
He thought in his head what would happen if he didn’t listen to his Latinate. “Here’s another soldier” said the soldier. “What happened?” he asked “A bullet hit one of his arteries’ and it seems pretty deed” the soldier replied. “I will do my best, I promise he whispered”.
After a few hours went by of pain and agony, he heard from his Latinate “It’s time. He doesn’t look like he will make it”. My grandpa replied “Will you shut up for once and let me do my damn job. Isn’t this why you picked me to do this job so I can try, and right know you’re not giving me this option, so just up”. After another couple of hours went by he was able to recover the bullet from the soldier and he was able to live.
“I need to have some words with you” Latinate Anderson spoke. “What the hell do you think you’re doing telling me to do my job I’m the damn Latinate for Christ sake”. My Grandpa then said "What I’m doing is saving people's lives. I'm trying to be the hero here, and not trying to pull the plug. I have faith, and that’s all I need”. Anderson then snapped back and said “Faith… Huh, that’s what you think you have, that’s what gets people killed, just like promises”. My grandpa then shouted back,“We’ll I just made a promise and look where it got that soldier, Alive” “I’m sorry Lieutenant I just wanna save the lives of soldiers that help fight our wars.” William said in much more calm and relaxed voice, Anderson then said with a much calmer tone “It’s ok Son, I know how your feeling, I get it.”
Taking Demands in World War ll
William Mersey stood straight up and looked uncommonly tall. Mud all over his hands, and pants, as he stood aside his buddy in one straight line. As soldiers walked passed looking at the men with fierce eye contact. Soldiers started to pick random people that looked like they were buff and ripped. And looked ready for what was next.
“You come here,” all a sudden he heard, his heart started race faster than he could blink. “Sir yes Sir,” he said. “Are you ready for what next” as yelled with spit coming out of his mouth. “Sir yes Sir” as he muttered, as he repeated much more louder. “Are you ready for what next”, “Sir yes Sir” he said this time but much more louder. “I think we are done here” one of the soldiers said, “The people that we picked come with us” another soldier said.
What felt like a long trip was indeed short, as his throbbing heart started to race. He was worrying if this could be the end or not. “You scared” he heard from a new recruit next to him “yea very scared” he said “don’t be” the recruit said. “The Big Bird has landed” said the flight navigator. “Welcome to Virginia boys”. The soldier had said “Let’s take you to all your station. You all play a specific role in this” another soldier said. “You come here” he heard, “I will be taking you to your station”.
“What’s this” he said, “This will be your station as a welder, until we need you at another one”. The soldier said “another one” he said “yea another one we will be seeing where to make your permanent spot”.
“William” he heard “time to go. You be getting drafted to you knew spot will you will be learning how to be an engineer on planes” …
“Time to go”, he heard again but in a more roughed voice “Here will be your permanent spot to be a surgeon. We have lots of people being welders and engineers. We need more people saving lives from the battlefield”. “Do you understand your assignment task force for now on” the soldier said “Sir yes Sir” he said. “You can take over now Latinate Anderson” the soldier said. “Are you ready for what’s next” Latinate Anderson spoke. “You will be in training, to help these soldier live, do we understand each other” “Sir, Yes, Sir”
“first day of training starts now, are we ready to begin” “Yes, Sir”
What felt like seven years of training was only six months, he thought to himself. “this exhaustion is killing me” he quietly said to Latinate Anderson. “Do you think that the men and women of this war give a damn if you’re tired. They bust their asses every day to fight for our country and you say you’re tired”. “Sir, Anderson that’s not how I meant to put it”. “We’ll finish this conversation later. Right now we have bigger problems better get to work”. So he looked of his shoulder and saw his first person he had to save.
“What happened” he said “RPG attack, man came out of nowhere”. “Okay I’ll take over from here I promise I will get him the treatment he needs”, “Thank you” the soldier said.
After two hours of medical work on the patient, they were not getting anywhere with the soldier.
“We have to pull the plug on him, son” Latinate Anderson spoke. “No I can save him I have to try, I promised that soldier, I promised him I would save him”. “There is no saving, his wounds are too bad” “I have to try, I have to try more”. “I’m the boss here I tell you what to do and if I say pull the plug pull it” “Don’t make promises you can’t keep kid”.
He thought in his head what would happen if he didn’t listen to his Latinate. “Here’s another soldier” said the soldier. “What happened?” he asked “A bullet hit one of his arteries’ and it seems pretty deed” the soldier replied. “I will do my best, I promise he whispered”.
After a few hours went by of pain and agony, he heard from his Latinate “It’s time. He doesn’t look like he will make it”. My grandpa replied “Will you shut up for once and let me do my damn job. Isn’t this why you picked me to do this job so I can try, and right know you’re not giving me this option, so just up”. After another couple of hours went by he was able to recover the bullet from the soldier and he was able to live.
“I need to have some words with you” Latinate Anderson spoke. “What the hell do you think you’re doing telling me to do my job I’m the damn Latinate for Christ sake”. My Grandpa then said "What I’m doing is saving people's lives. I'm trying to be the hero here, and not trying to pull the plug. I have faith, and that’s all I need”. Anderson then snapped back and said “Faith… Huh, that’s what you think you have, that’s what gets people killed, just like promises”. My grandpa then shouted back,“We’ll I just made a promise and look where it got that soldier, Alive” “I’m sorry Lieutenant I just wanna save the lives of soldiers that help fight our wars.” William said in much more calm and relaxed voice, Anderson then said with a much calmer tone “It’s ok Son, I know how your feeling, I get it.”
Zach Ziny
The 2nd Round
The worst time Harold Hawkins and his family could have ever gone through was in 1999. They were first informed he had Myeloid Leukemia. Myeloid Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow of the body. This type of cancer gets worse if it is not treated fast. Harold had to go through three difficult rounds of chemotherapy treatment to get better. The treatment had month-long rounds. Harold had side effects that made sores in his mouth. It also decreased his appetite, causing him to lose lots of weight. His body had bad reactions, including diarrhea and vomiting. At that time, Harold had made it clear that he was doing the treatment for his family. Luckily, the family finally got good news from Harold’s oncologist. The doctor announced to Harold and his wife. Dorothy, “Harold, I am happy to let you know, you are free of cancer. You are now in remission”.
In December of 2001, Harold’s pregnant granddaughter announced “It’s a boy!”. Harold was overjoyed with this news because he cared so much for his family. Unfortunately, Harold got a sickness that went on and off for a couple weeks, not seeming to get any better. Symptoms were fevers and the constant feeling of being tired. Harold was admitted to the hospital just before Christmas with pneumonia. The Hawkins family had always gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate and exchange gifts. That year on Christmas Eve, the whole family took turns on visiting Harold, as he was still in the hospital. The family took Harold some of his favorite foods. His daughter even brought in his puppy, Daisy, for a short visit. During this hospital stay it was determined that Harold was suffering with Myeloid Leukemia. Harold had cancer again. The news shocked the whole family.
The oncologist informed Harold and Dorothy about the available treatment plans. It was clear that this decision would be more difficult. It was devastating because it had been hard for Harold the first time he had gone through this treatment. The decision was as important as it was difficult. Harold wanted to see his great-grandchild, but he knew he had to get through the treatment again. The decision was made; Harold would do the chemotherapy again. The plan was to do various rounds of the chemotherapy. Around three to four weeks of the treatment in the hospital and then a month at home with a break from the treatment.
Sometimes, when Harold was in the hospital, his granddaughter would come to visit. Harold would get after his granddaughter for not wearing a coat, saying she would get sick. Other times, Harold would talk to his visitors and ask about their day. This time, the treatment wasn’t as devastating to Harold’s body. After two rounds of the new treatment plan it was obvious that the chemotherapy was not working. Harold’s treatment was stopped.
In May of 2002, the family’s first great-grandchild was born. Because the baby’s parents both worked, Harold’s wife watched the baby for a few hours every day. Dorothy used this as a time to give Harold an opportunity to see the baby. Harold held and played with the baby. Unfortunately, Harold soon became weak and he couldn’t hold the baby anymore. That didn't stop him as he still spent time with the baby. He just enjoyed watching and being around the baby.
In June of 2002 he got a letter from a special Veteran’s Program for serving in the United States Navy and Army. The Veteran Program officially presented Harold with a High School Diploma. This was an important moment to Harold, a moment of achievement. The achievement that his life was worth all this hardship and pain he had to go through. His family noticed how he felt so gracious at that time.
By October of 2002, it was noticeable how bad Harold was hurting and that he knew he had lost. Myeloid Leukemia had taken over at the end of Harold’s life. Harold passed away at his home, surrounded by his family that had been with him through this hard time. Harold was happy that his family cared so much about him. They helped him through the pain and gave him lots of love. He was happy that he had gotten his High School diploma and that he had achieved his goals. Harold was happy that him and his great-grandson had gotten to spend time together. Harold’s life was shortened by cancer, but that didn’t stop him from being happy all the way to the end.
The 2nd Round
The worst time Harold Hawkins and his family could have ever gone through was in 1999. They were first informed he had Myeloid Leukemia. Myeloid Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow of the body. This type of cancer gets worse if it is not treated fast. Harold had to go through three difficult rounds of chemotherapy treatment to get better. The treatment had month-long rounds. Harold had side effects that made sores in his mouth. It also decreased his appetite, causing him to lose lots of weight. His body had bad reactions, including diarrhea and vomiting. At that time, Harold had made it clear that he was doing the treatment for his family. Luckily, the family finally got good news from Harold’s oncologist. The doctor announced to Harold and his wife. Dorothy, “Harold, I am happy to let you know, you are free of cancer. You are now in remission”.
In December of 2001, Harold’s pregnant granddaughter announced “It’s a boy!”. Harold was overjoyed with this news because he cared so much for his family. Unfortunately, Harold got a sickness that went on and off for a couple weeks, not seeming to get any better. Symptoms were fevers and the constant feeling of being tired. Harold was admitted to the hospital just before Christmas with pneumonia. The Hawkins family had always gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate and exchange gifts. That year on Christmas Eve, the whole family took turns on visiting Harold, as he was still in the hospital. The family took Harold some of his favorite foods. His daughter even brought in his puppy, Daisy, for a short visit. During this hospital stay it was determined that Harold was suffering with Myeloid Leukemia. Harold had cancer again. The news shocked the whole family.
The oncologist informed Harold and Dorothy about the available treatment plans. It was clear that this decision would be more difficult. It was devastating because it had been hard for Harold the first time he had gone through this treatment. The decision was as important as it was difficult. Harold wanted to see his great-grandchild, but he knew he had to get through the treatment again. The decision was made; Harold would do the chemotherapy again. The plan was to do various rounds of the chemotherapy. Around three to four weeks of the treatment in the hospital and then a month at home with a break from the treatment.
Sometimes, when Harold was in the hospital, his granddaughter would come to visit. Harold would get after his granddaughter for not wearing a coat, saying she would get sick. Other times, Harold would talk to his visitors and ask about their day. This time, the treatment wasn’t as devastating to Harold’s body. After two rounds of the new treatment plan it was obvious that the chemotherapy was not working. Harold’s treatment was stopped.
In May of 2002, the family’s first great-grandchild was born. Because the baby’s parents both worked, Harold’s wife watched the baby for a few hours every day. Dorothy used this as a time to give Harold an opportunity to see the baby. Harold held and played with the baby. Unfortunately, Harold soon became weak and he couldn’t hold the baby anymore. That didn't stop him as he still spent time with the baby. He just enjoyed watching and being around the baby.
In June of 2002 he got a letter from a special Veteran’s Program for serving in the United States Navy and Army. The Veteran Program officially presented Harold with a High School Diploma. This was an important moment to Harold, a moment of achievement. The achievement that his life was worth all this hardship and pain he had to go through. His family noticed how he felt so gracious at that time.
By October of 2002, it was noticeable how bad Harold was hurting and that he knew he had lost. Myeloid Leukemia had taken over at the end of Harold’s life. Harold passed away at his home, surrounded by his family that had been with him through this hard time. Harold was happy that his family cared so much about him. They helped him through the pain and gave him lots of love. He was happy that he had gotten his High School diploma and that he had achieved his goals. Harold was happy that him and his great-grandson had gotten to spend time together. Harold’s life was shortened by cancer, but that didn’t stop him from being happy all the way to the end.