(In memory of James E. Woolway)
I strip his feet of hospital socks,
one sister rests her cheek
on a gauze wrapped hand,
another fingers his thick hair
on the unbandaged side,
my mother thumbs
the back of his hand between
plastic tubes and silver needles.
Somewhere down the hall,
a nurse sings to another:
I hear you’re going home today?
7 comments:
Pam, this really resonated - I remember this. Love S
Thanks Steve, I know you were there too. Thanks for reading. That week in the hospital, I never wrote a word in my journal until this particular day. love pam
Dear Pam,
Your father was so dear to you and your family. I can picture you all with him and feel his pride in all of you. I know how much you miss him.
Love, Shea
Hello Pam,
Looking at the picture, I believe your dad is the same James Woolway I served under on the USS Rogers (DD-876) 1969 ~ 1971. If so, I'd like to say that your father was the best "old man" that any blue water sailor could hope to serve under. I have many great memories of him from the short time I served under him. With sincere sympathy, I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Joseph Orzechowski
Sacramento, CA
Joseph, Wow. I mean wow. This is so kool that you stumbled upon this page. I am thrilled to hear from you. If you are into it, I'd love to hear more about my dad. He died just over a year ago. Two of my sisters and I are doing a memorial ride across Iowa in July with some of his friends, cousins and a brother of his who is 80. He was really into biking and I feel closest to him when I am riding. I can't thank you enough for making contact. Aloha, Pam
Pam, Hello.
"Return" was beautiful to read.
They broke the mold when they made the "Woolway boys".
Peace, Beth
I was the navigator on the USS Rogers, 1968-70. Jim Woolway was my second and last CO. Full of confidence and enthusiasm, he was a joy to follow and serve under. I was a reserve junior officer doing my required time during the Vietnam era, and he showed me what it meant to serve well and enjoy it. I am grateful to have known him, Pam. You must be his daughter. I met Caroline, but not you. You had a special dad, and I had a special CO.
Bill Hankinson, Denver
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