A Vietnam Vet`s brain surgery is over.
About three weeks ago, my long-time companion, a Vietnam Veteran, had surgery to remove the cancer which had spread to his brain. He was diagnosed over three years ago with lung, lymph node and liver cancer, most likely the result of Agent Orange, according to the VA. He has seen it all....chemotherapy, full-brain radiation, pinpoint radiation, and finally brain surgery.
This vet is an independent critter, always doing his own thing in his own way. He never asked for help. If his van broke down, he fixed it. If he needed a tool he didn`t have, he made it. He is a genius at making something out of nothing, and for him, "making do" was something to be proud of. His resourcefulness and love for working with his hands were two great partners. He made our bird feeders, our garden gate, a pair of brass bookends, a six-foot insect for our lawn. He built lamps out of pieces and parts, made mobiles, and this summer he made a wooden card with a beautiful "sort-of" cardinal for my birthday. By this time, he was failing fast...the tumor had doubled in seven months and he was struggling to just go down our three porch steps. The only thing that forced my tears back was the determined look on his face. We can do this. So, I helped him with a buzz cut. He wanted to do that before a pre-surgery prep team did. We chuckled at our juvenile sense of being first. It was sort of an ice breaker for what was to come. Less than twenty-four hours after surgery he was sitting in a chair....with an "I`m alive" grin. When I saw that old sparkle, I forgot the bandages.
While he was in rehab, he repaired a light chain over his bed, invented his own "neurological exercises", then told those in charge he was going home, which he did. I marvel at how hard he`s trying to recover.
This has changed us forever, in ways I can`t explain. We talk about clouds and how good cranberry juice tastes. We talk about things smaller than dots and things larger than life. We don`t watch the clock or jump every time the phone rings. Sometimes we just sit together and stare out the window. It`s all so precious.
I thought about former President Jimmy Carter before I started typing tonight. And I thought about all the vets who are struggling. I thought about courage and dignity, about bravery and sacrifice. I thought about all we`ve seen over the past three years. Believe me, there are people out there that could teach most of us a thing or two.
He ain`t heavy, he`s my brother......indeed.
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My love to you and your Vietnam Vet. 
Rec. Tell your friend I send a hug 
Thank you for this beautiful gift.
get well brother, we're pulling for you.
Hang in there bro', we can win this one too. 
and thank you for sharing your story............. your brother is amazing.
"He ain't heavy. He's my brother."
Yes. Yes, indeed.
I'm glad to hear he came through that ordeal with flying colors. I know it's not over, and I wish you both the best with his continued recovery.
Lovely post. Best wishes to you both!
For your remarkable friend: 
For you:
