Semper Fidelis

It was a December evening and the monster known as migraine was winning the battle.

The pain was torturous, unbearable and the Marine, who in his time had seen too many battlefields, knew that he could help her win this one.

Semper Fidelis is his motto, and that of the Corps he so esteems, and in a way, that of the Church he serves. So he helps and takes her to the hospital where stronger weapons will help push the enemy back.

In the Emergency room, the Marine stands by her side as she is poked, and a line is placed.

This Maginot line is meant to give relief, but like its namesake, the enemy breaks through.

Medications are ordered and pushed into the line.

He stands by as the unthinkable happens- the medication drips too quickly.

She starts to sleep. A doctor notices and asks him to “keep her awake”.

She asks for stories and he tries to keep her attention with stories he told his children,

But he sees her slip into unconsciousness again. 

Her breathing drops too quickly- ten breaths a minute, nine, seven, six.

Suddenly, doctors flood the room and push medications to reverse the damage and give oxygen.

Still, he stands by her side.

He remembers seeing comrades fight this before, and he prays, knowing she will win.

In that moment, he embodies the principles of two organizations he loves most, the Marine Corps and the Church- he remains faithful to his friend and to God.

 In that moment, the Marine disappears leaving only the person of Christ, the good shepherd going after that one lost sheep,

And rejoicing when that sheep is found.