I read your story, and when I as done I had to literally walk away from my computer for a while, which I never do during the day.

It reminded me so much of all that I and my family went through with my dad. And why I do what I do to this day!

Dad, MGySgt Lesley A. Davis, USMC (Ret.) 26.5 years was diagnosed with ALS in August 2005, and from all I was told, and read, life expectancy is about 5 years from early diagnosis.

By November 2005 dad was falling down a lot, and by Christmas could only walk with assistance of a walker or someone with him.

Dad’s ALS was progressing so rapidly even his own doctors were puzzled and could only attribute this to his having been so badly exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Viet Nam.

In late February 2006 dad had wanted to make one last trip to see the snow on the mountains in Sedona Arizona, just a few hours drive from our home in Garden Grove, California. His doctor was opposed to such a trip, but after an hour of conversation and the restriction of no more than 3-4 days tops he allowed dad to go.

I guess we all knew in our hearts it would be dad’s last trip anywhere, and it was as mom had to cut the trip short and come right back after only being there one day as dad was having such a difficult time breathing.

They arrived home late afternoon, and by early evening we were taking dad to the emergency room via ambulance, dad was checked in right away for what ended up being a 33-day stay in the hospital and while there they had to do a tracheotomy and put in a tube which would allow him to breath with assistance from a ventilator.

During the stay at UCI Medical Center both mom and I were there 24/7 round the clock in shifts only taking enough time to come home, feed the animals, take a short nap, shower, dress and return.

During my time with dad we talked as best he could about what he wanted, his wishes and needs.

Dad has asked me to never leave mom, make sure she was happy and care for, and that would I please carry on his mission to insure all veterans received their proper benefits, care and attention they earned.

We were finally able to bring dad home as he wanted to be at home where he felt most comfortable.

We only had dad home for a week, when everything seemed like it all went hay wire and we called paramedics to rush him back to UCI Medical Center.

The doctors, nurses and technicians all did their best and at 11:47pm on April 24, 2006 God opened his arms and took my dad from us.

So take comfort in knowing we will see them again some day! They’re guarding the streets of heaven for us, and will meet us at the gates when we’re called home to join them!

I know how tough it can be to keep promises like this, but we do our best every day, and always do it knowing we do it from love!

There isn’t a day goes by I don’t’ wish dad were here so I could say what do I do about this, that and the other when I work with veterans, how do I address this issue, how do I help this vet?

But my family has grown and extended beyond my wildest imagination. Every veteran, spouse, and widow have all become my extended family, they’re all there to help me continue dad’s mission and guide me every step of the way!

So when you’re feeling all alone, not sure what to do, remember your dad, and reach out to your extended family!

We take care of our own!

Jim