beautiful lauraGulf War Veteran Laura Thompson, a former Army supply clerk, had finally met her soulmate. She met Mark in 2012 through an online dating service and they hit it off right away.

They shared a love for cycling, as well as community and family, and spent time getting to know one other and bonding with one another’s children.

In January 2014, they permanently blended their families and were married by a justice of the peace. They postponed a fairy-tale church wedding so the family could quickly move into their dream home. But just six months later, Laura was diagnosed with cancer.

That next year, Laura’s medical team at the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky, told her she was not going to recover from the cancer. She would have to say goodbye to Mark and their four children—the youngest of whom was only 16 years old, as well as a brand-new grandchild.

Laura’s sister Jodi was determined that Laura would still have her dream wedding, complete with flowers, music, tuxedos and a wedding dress fit for a princess bride. With a little planning, Jodi was able to give Laura this part of her dream; but the couple still had not had their honeymoon.

That’s when VA volunteers stepped in with their “Final Mission,” which was created in November 2015, by the Louisville VAMC’s Voluntary Service, with the desire to grant wishes to dying Veterans. The program embodies the VA mission of caring for Veterans, even throughout their last days.

When Laura was approached about the Final Mission, she had three wishes: a honeymoon, an engraved wedding ring for her soulmate and wooden keepsake boxes for each of her children. She had also written cards and letters to them to mark the milestones in their lives that she would miss.

lauras wedding dressThe Louisville VA Voluntary Service team took swift action, immediately working to fulfill Laura’s wishes. But as the honeymoon trip was being planned, Laura’s health worsened, and she became unable to travel. VA volunteers delivered a meal to her and 14 family members a couple of weeks before Christmas, and she had the opportunity to be surrounded by loved ones. The meal, the gifts—which included a special patriotic quilt donated from the community— and monetary donations were delivered and set up in Laura’s home. In addition to VA, Veterans service organizations responded when they learned of Laura’s plight, sending the donations to help her family with any later expenses.

“We were able to present Laura with the quilt and the other gifts to her in her home, with all her family members around her, thanking her for her service. We expressed the honor we had in knowing her. Everyone who learns of this program is very interested in being a part and helping.”

Though Laura was unable to get to the beach, VA volunteers brought her the next best thing—a scented “beach on a tray,” including a noise machine to mimic the sound of waves, miniature beach chairs, sand and seashells. She immediately ran her fingers through the sand, and her husband joked that he could remove her socks and place her feet in the tray, if she wanted to sink her toes in it as well.

The Final Mission has so far assisted four Veterans and their families. The program was inspired by Veteran Timothy Webb, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. In his last days, he was cared for in the VA hospice unit in Louisville, and a social worker learned of his love of University of Louisville football. Through the efforts of the hospice staff and volunteers, Webb received a visit from some of the University of Louisville football players.

laura on a beachThis moment of joy was very meaningful to everyone involved, especially his family and the event that inspired Voluntary Service to create the Final Mission program. It started with a ‘what if.’ What if there was a way to let the community know when a Veteran had one last place they wanted to visit, one last experience they wanted to have, or one last visit with a family member … and we could make that happen?

There are many benefits to the program, but fulfilling a Veteran’s wish is the focal point.

Veterans and families may find a stronger sense of hope in the fact that they have something to look forward to. The wish process can strengthen family members’ bonds by helping them to create meaningful times and recall precious memories.

“Conversations between our health care team, Veterans and families help them develop and establish trusting relationships. They can also reminisce about the past and identify any unresolved issues.”

The activity of choosing a wish also serves as a diversion from the Veteran’s physical limitations and discomforts. By granting the wish, it is hoped that Veterans and their families will experience a moment of peace and fulfillment that overshadows the burden of the illness.

Veteran Laura Thompson was there to see her daughter turn 18, but passed away before Christmas. She was only 38 years old.

Jodi’s sister commented on what the Final Mission and VA volunteers meant to Laura and her family:  “One of Laura’s final wishes was to be able to take a trip with her husband Mark to the beach one last time. The sound of the ocean and the warm sand between her toes made her feel more at peace and alive than anywhere else. When the Final Mission program stepped in—not only making memory boxes for her children and grandchild, and helping her get Mark an engraved wedding ring, but also offering to send her on this dream trip—Laura’s happiness and gratitude were overflowing. Such actions touched Laura and all of us more than you will ever know. The Final Mission not only helped to bring peace of mind to Laura at the end of her life; it also brought her joy. We all were amazed by the charity shown to Laura and the entire family, as this program was there to help where they could; and the people were kind, generous, and above all … genuine.”

This year is the 70th anniversary of VA Voluntary Service—one of the largest volunteer programs in the federal government. To learn more about how VA assists Veterans and their families, or to find out how to volunteer, visit http://www.volunteer.va.gov.

Watch more about Laura’s story online here.


adelinas Adelina Hay Sowell is the chief of Voluntary Services at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky. She created the Final Mission Program to bring joy and special memories to Veterans and their families during a difficult time facing the end of life. Sowell is a U.S. Army Veteran and a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in History.

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20 Comments

  1. BERNIE BYRNES April 4, 2016 at 09:24

    GOD BE WITH YOU SOLDIER

  2. Senta V. Taylor April 4, 2016 at 08:12

    Thanks for sharing your story. It was so touching which brought tears to my eyes.

  3. Bonnie Cabell April 3, 2016 at 15:11

    Just wonderful! Thanks for your service

  4. John Sergio April 3, 2016 at 15:06

    My name is John J Sergio I served my country during Viet Nam 1971- 1978. Honorable Discharge. I had a massive stroke 3 yrs ago Va has saved my life, I receive a small aid and attendance AMT. Plus SOS disability AMT. As of Dec 7 20115 my wife of 11 yrs lost of job after 3 yrs and 10 mo. She is trying to get disability because of a accident she had at 17. She was in a bad wreck that has left her with a deformity leg. She can no longer work. We had to find a place to live with very little money, as well as her losing her job. We lived and work at a Storage CO. I worked there until I had the stroke. We have tried for several months to get assistance from Va to find housing, A small home, or a apartment we have to dogs less than 20 lbs. Very good babies, they are our family .Due to the lost of my job any other difficulties we are having to file Br. We will be losing our car, We live in a tralier no heat nor air. I have tried continuously for help and assistance. Please help us .I am a Honable Disabled Marine. Thank you for your time. John Joseph Sergio. 615- 766-5193. 503 West Market St lot 3 Portland, TN. Thank you

    • DannyG April 8, 2016 at 22:08

      My brother, I wanted to comment so you would know that SOMEONE CARES. Unfortunately, caring & prayer is all I can offer. I pray that the “right” person hears of your situation, & help comes quickly!

  5. jim riffe 8MF4 April 2, 2016 at 16:12

    brenda
    i am sorry this happened to you. god bless you for your loss 11 years ago,

  6. Gerald D. Bryant April 2, 2016 at 07:42

    What a generous gift! Compassion in these people is amazing!

  7. Ray Cote April 1, 2016 at 17:48

    May the Good Lord bless you, your family , friends and volunteers.
    I Sault you all.

  8. Paul M hatfield April 1, 2016 at 16:56

    I was in Vietnam in 1968-69 and exposed to Agent Orange. The exposure gave me Lymphoma. When the Doctor’s told me I was totally in shock. Cancer is a horrible thing to have happen in any family. For me, I was one that thus far has beat the odds. Lots yet to go through but nothing like not having you spouse and Mother their for all the Love that a Mother can Give. So very sorry, Your wife was the hero.

    Mike

  9. Brenda Christina April 1, 2016 at 14:06

    This was a wonderful article and tribute to a veteran of our country-a big debt of gratitude to Laura for her service. My husband spent 38 years of his 60 years in the Air Force/Air Nat. Guard. I wish this program had been in effect when he died 11 yrs ago. I had to do all research on my own as to what benefits I was entitled to under the military. I never got 1 call from veterans affairs or anyone. So I appreciate any military or volunteers for this wonderful service.

  10. jim riffe 8MF4 April 1, 2016 at 13:54

    thank you for this beautiful story.4 1 16. amen, jim riffe, 62, u.s. navy – yankee station off vietnam coast 1973

  11. Kathleen McMahon April 1, 2016 at 13:11

    God bless you all they cared so much and so do you!
    Vietnam Era vet

  12. Ray Howrd April 1, 2016 at 13:10

    It great to see groups like this doing something special to help Veterans when they know the end of the live is near. God Bless You All. Vet71/75

  13. Gail Pruitt April 1, 2016 at 12:53

    To VA Louisville Re: “Final Mission”:Brilliantly, wonderfully, generously & so beautifully well done! Thank you.

  14. Jackie Bowlds April 1, 2016 at 12:11

    Your story on Laura was one of the greatest I have ever read and enjoyed very much. Thank you fo ryour service Laura.

    I would also like to thank the Louisville VAMC’s Voluntary Service for having such a great program for the veterans.

    WHAT TERRIFFIC PROGRAM!

    Do you ever there is any volunteer programs with Marion Indiana VAMC like this one. Being married to a veteran I would love to be a part of such a great program?

    Thank you,
    Jackie Bowlds

  15. Bill Nomad April 1, 2016 at 11:15

    This is a wonderful thing that your group is doing. My only question is that there is no mention of God with Laura. When people are dieing they need to know where they are going. There is more to life than right here and right now.

  16. George D Patrin April 1, 2016 at 11:03

    This is a wonderful service and way to respect our Veterans before and after their death. After the death of our son, Andrew, at 20 years old, Pam and I formed Serendipity Alliance. One of our projects was to develop a webpage to share projects that leave a living legacy for those we love. Look at “Andrews Garden Project Website.” Perhaps some of what you did for Laura could be shared on the site? http://andrewsgardenproject.weebly.com/

  17. Dr. Ethelle Lord April 1, 2016 at 10:51

    Thank you for your service, veteran Laura Thompson. Wonderful article.

  18. Robert J. Coll March 29, 2016 at 18:24

    Very nice

  19. Robert J. Coll March 29, 2016 at 18:23

    Very nice I thank you for allowing me to be a part of the program

Comments are closed.

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