Page 91 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Fall 2019- Online Magazine

viEtNam war Era
Profile of Courage
not advocating, she developed a life-skills module for
transitioning veterans and volunteered at several veteran
organizations. At the VA, she assisted veterans suffering
with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain
Injury (TBI) and victims of sexual assault. At VetStar, the
contacts and resources she compiled have proven to be
invaluable to the treatment process, navigating a complex
system and simplifying it for veterans.
Denise credited her ability to help others to the trauma
she’d experienced, turning her pain into strength and
education for other veterans. For those veterans who
may be struggling with their own trauma, Denise had
a message; “Reach out to other veterans. If you have
questions, get the answer. Don’t think your situation
is ok if it’s not ok; you deserve better. Veterans deserve
better.” Against the prevailing forces that say silence is an
answer, Denise’s voice has stood as a conscience within
our South Plains veteran community. Her life is, truly, a
profile of courage in the face of adversity.
air forcE
I met Denise years ago, and she was always
an enthusiastic encourager. She invited me to
speak, sing and play at several veteran events.
When she chose to enter Kindred Hospice, she
asked if I’d sing at her funeral. I was honored.
She met with David Eppler, her Spiritual Care
Coordinator with Kindred and asked him to
officiate her service. She planned it to the very
last detail.
On our last visit, she shared her pain as a result
of not having positive closure with certain
people in her life. Weeks earlier, while sitting at
my desk, I’d had an impression that helped me
with a similar concern. I saw a Christmas tree
with presents underneath. Some of the gifts were
fully wrapped with bows on top; some were still
in the store packaging; and torn and crinkled
paper lay on the floor, evidence that a gift was
already in the arms of the recipient. I shared
with Denise that, with some people in our lives,
we get to see eyes light up; receive hugs; enjoy
the warm glow of giving. Other of our gifts,
we may not have time to wrap, much less, give.
Time marches on, and all is in God’s hands. He
may allow us to help select gifts, maybe even
wrap them, but not get to see them opened and
appreciated.” Denise paused and listened and
seemed to ponder the picture as we sat in a
sweet tearful silence.
This powerful woman wanted to express
love but may not have always known how to
communicate it. I do know one thing: she loved
her family, friends and veterans fiercely. The
songs she chose for her service: “I Just Want to
Dance with You”, “Keeper of the Stars”, Friends
are Friends Forever”, “Wonderful World”, and
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” were heartfelt
and effective gifts of love to everyone in
attendance. She is finally loving and being loved
thoroughly and forever. I know Denise would
want to pass that joy and love along now to each
one of you.
by Katherine McLamore,
Kindred Hospice Manager of Volunteer
Services and Texas South Plains Honor Flight
Veterans Liaison Committee Co-Chair
Lubbock Senior Link 91