By Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN
Editor-in-Chief of Case in Point Magazine and the Case Management Resource Guide

Last week we celebrated the Fourth of July. In recognition of Independence Day, I would like to share this week’s stage with a colleague, Lisa K. Alberte, an independent case manager who has devoted a portion of her services to working with a man named Winlom. Having served in the National Guard for 11 years, Winlom returned to Iraq to serve for three years as a contractor, driving trucks to combat zones and bases for the troops.

To his misfortune, Winlom suffered a severe injury on his latest assignment. He was shot in the head by hostile sniper fire on July 15, 2006. Though he survived, he had to learn to walk, talk and eat again. He continues to struggle as he puts his life together one day at a time. The following poem is an interpretation of Lisa Alberte, RN, BSN, CCM, MS, CRC, ABDA, as seen through the eyes of Winlom.

My Name is Winlom

I stand before you injured by the Iraq War,

But when you look at me, don’t just shut your door!

You may not notice my deficits or understand my pain,

You may think I look “normal,” but I still have a bullet embedded in my brain.

When I got shot, no one including the neurosurgeon knew if I would live or die.

Sometimes all my permanent memory deficits, losses and loneliness makes me cry.

I stood up proudly for my country-the glory land of the good old USA.

But as a result I took a bullet in the brain that impairs my life each and every day.

I, like my fellow military brothers and sisters, made sure your family could stay free.

I could have chosen not to serve my time since I had my whole future ahead me.

But I did what we were sworn to do and would again if given the opportunity to.

So, please do not take your freedom for granted ever again in all that you do.

 

I can no longer feel the rush of satisfaction when accelerating and burning up the tar.

The bullet damage no longer allows me to be able to drive a car.

I need to be driven to all my medical appointments, events and certain places.

I sometimes notice others looking at me with their stares and judgmental faces.

Sometimes I just sit depressed, mourning my past life, my problems and I frown,

It may be easier if I could tell others my “brain injury mistakes” are just acts of a clown.

But this prolonged and complicated war has changed my life so dramatically so.

Others injured like me wait in an unrecognized and often “forgotten” row.

 

The brain is truly a remarkable unit that makes us love, hug, believe and strive,

It helps us speak, live independently, plan our day, attend work and drive.

But imagine if someone took all these abilities away from you,

I am sure you would want a chance to have it all back which is what I want to do.

I need 24 hour supervision to ensure I stay safe and cause myself no harm.

I want a chance to live a fulfilling, enjoyable life and turn on my gentleman charm.

But I hope you can understand that the bullet damage is a sad reminder of this war,

I, unfortunately, carry it everywhere I go that reminds me of my deficits more and more.

I continue to make slow, daily gains with the help of a few that shows they truly care,

But it still does not take away my “metal friend” that hides beneath my hair.

 

I miss my boys, having friends, a romantic relationship and a paying job,

The damage the war has done to me is too much for even the minds of the strongest mob.

We all deserve a chance to be stood up for like I did when I took the bullet to my brain. 

I, like many injured, want to feel whole again and that our sacrifices were not in vain.

Jobs are not plentiful, structured, or available for all of us that we want and need one.

In my frustration, I pace the floors, watch the crescent moons and daily setting of the sun. 

I will continue to push forward each and every day, for I am Winlom I will always be.

I deserve a chance to have a rewarding and gainful job, would you consider hiring me?

From behalf of all of the readers of Case In Point Weekly, thank you both for allowing us to share in your story.  We are proud of you, Winlom, for your service and your courage to face each challenging day. You are truly a hero! 

Have a good week!