Case Study at a Korean War Veteran

Frank is Catholic, the younger of two sons. His parents are both dead, and his brother lives in Oregon and rarely visits. Frank was married for several years after returning from Korea, but his wife, Louise, was unable to deal with his rages. They did not have children and were divorced after five years. Frank has not seen his ex-wife or had any contact with her since shortly after their divorce was finalized.

Frank knows me from my work at the hospital and has allowed me to give him Holy Communion each week. I am also Catholic. He found out from Dr. S., the psychiatric doctor who has done some work with him, that I am also a combat veteran; Frank knows that I served in Vietnam and survived two and a half years of heavy fighting on Hamburger Hill. Although we have talked several times, he has not asked me about my experience. Dr. S. has told me that Frank refuses to discuss his time in Korea, and efforts to induce him to open up are often the triggers for his rages.

. . .
good at all. When you're feeling alone, or when people die. FRANK (rocking in his chair): God is always good. ME: I know that, Frank. I mean that it's hard to believe it sometimes. It was hard for me to be a good Catholic when men who were my friends were dying. FRANK (leaning over the table): God is always good. ME: But sometimes it's hard to remember. I know there were times like that for me in Vietnam. Can you remember times like that for you? FRANK (holding onto my tie); God is always good! ME: I know that, Frank. God is always good. But sometimes people aren't. DR. S: Frank, take it easy. No one's trying to hurt you. FRANK (pulling me toward him by my tie): God is always good, God is always good. He doesn't hurt people. He doesn't. ME: I know, Frank. That's what we've talked about, remember? He loves you, Frank. He cares about you. I care about you. That's why I'm here, Frank. FRANK (loosening his hold a little): You care about me. ME: That's right. That's why we're here. FRANK (indicating Dr. S.): He doesn't understand. ME: Yes, Frank, he does. He hasn't been in a war, have you, Dr. S.? DR. S: No, I haven't. But I know how difficult it can be. ME: And we were both very happy t
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1326
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)

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