Photo by Curt Campbell, VA Palo Alto, CA
Fight Alone”
Story by Kerri Childress Photos by Craig Orsini
To Minie, it’s Anson who gives her strength and inspires her. To demonstrate how committed she is to Anson and her family, Minie asked a special friend, a pastor from California, to come and perform a renewal ceremony of their vows. All three children — and the dog — were there, along with men from Anson’s unit and many other friends and family.
also stayed at Fisher House with his partner. “I believe that every step Anson has taken was because Minie was there to encourage and love him. Without a Fisher House, that never would have happened. I really don’t know where Anson would be today, quite frankly, if Minie had not been staying right across the street.”
By early evening it’s time for more meds and getting ready for bed. But it doesn’t end there. Every two hours throughout the night Minie has to rotate Anson to avoid skin breakdown and bed sores.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CAREGIVER
Then it starts all over the next morning.
Fast forward to four years later — the Curry family now lives in San Antonio, and Minie cares for 90 percent of Anson’s needs along with taking care of her children.
“There have been many struggles and challenges. I won’t lie. But there have also been the small pleasures of life that make it worth the fight. While it may seem And the ceremony began. repetitious to others, it is not to me because all Anson has to do is smile when I enter “So Anson, do you take Minie to be the room and all the work, all the effort, all your bride?” A quick left hand reaches into the sacrifice is worth it,” said Minie, her eyes the air. suddenly watering. Watching them together “And Minie, do you take Anson to be your says it all. husband, in good times and bad and in “Anson, you really look hot in that sweater sickness and in health?” today,” Minie says, reaching over to give him a kiss and whisper something in his ear that “I do.” not only brings a huge smile but moves him to raise his left hand — his way of saying No one ever meant it more. “Yes, you bet!”
She starts the day — every day — at 6 am, when she gives Anson his medicines — 19 in all. At 7 am she sets up his feeding pump that will feed him continuously until 1 pm. At 8 am, more meds. By 9 am she is taking care of Anson’s oral care and bathes him. He’s in his wheelchair around 11 am, when she will take him to doctor appointments, community outings, or walks around the neighborhood. On Sunday, there is church. More meds at noon, 2pm, 6pm and 8pm. A couple of days a week a physical
therapist comes in to work with Anson in the afternoon.
“Minie is one of the strongest women I know,” said Brad Greiner, Senior Pastor at Cornerstone Church, Escondido, California, who eagerly accepted the invitation to renew Minie and Anson’s vows. “She has defined what love is. Love is not a feeling, it’s an action. Minie epitomizes the very essence of love.”
THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 1 • 2015
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