Friend in need; friend indeed!

Hello Friends and Veterans,

Today I reflect on a truly remarkable woman that has awakened me and enriched my life unbelievably. Her name is Rosemary. She has permitted me to tell her story, upon which she reflects with nostalgia, heartbreak and happiness, sadness and joy. At 73 years old, she is a smart, sassy lady, whose bittersweet life is a symbol of HOPE, INSPIRATION, and HONOR.

Seriously brain-injured very early in life, developmentally challenged and illiterate as a result, Rosemary has been an unsinkable, yet homeless street lady most of her life. Over many of her years, she reports the good with the bad, making her way by “junking” on the streets of Columbus at OSU, and selling her treasures (from dumpsters and trash cans) at flea market’s. Rosie considered herself a friend of Columbus police, as she remembers that they frequently fed her and came to her aid.

Some years back Rosemary made her way to Springfield, Ohio and became embedded in the fabric and the family of St. Vincent de Paul Society. Rosie once came to SVdP as a customer and a person in need, then became OUR dear friend. Just weeks ago, we garnered assistance from U.S.S (United Senior Services) for Rosie and her (30 year) “dying veteran” husband Dan, so they could receive “Meals on Wheels”. What a gift that was to both of them at such a critical time! On February 15, 2020, a panicked Rosemary called, reporting that Dan had finally succumbed to his very rough life of poor habits and subsequent terrible health. Stuck by herself in a one room motel on the edge of town, embedded with our indigent population, Rosemary was now completely alone and unable to continue paying the required $880 a month for rent. Life was about to change dramatically.

In addition to the benevolence of police and coroner who aided Rosie at the scene of Dan’s death, Mr. Lynn Zechman (Jones Kenney Zechman Funeral Home), began making arrangements for her homeless Vietnam veteran husband by applying for indigent services for burial; and by arranging a military memorial at the Dayton VA cemetery. Mr. Zechman has provided wonderful care and respect to these two, who might otherwise have been dismissed.

In the interim, we got Rosie into OUR local homeless shelter, Norm’s Place, where she could begin her new life….. resting a bit and then looking for a lifelong home. Special thanks to caseworkers at IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network) for their compassion, expertise, and diligence at making this all happen. Preparation for Rosie’s new apartment is now underway. She is eating three meals a day. She gets invaluable advice on her husband’s V.A. Widow’s benefits. And she is moving forward.

Today, though she’s very tearful about losing her husband, Rosie reports never being happier. Our homeless shelter has given her so much more than temporary solace. And she brings joy and delight to them. Rosie has hope for her future; believes that she will soon have a wonderful home with friends and neighbors; and she looks forward to honoring her husband’s memory with a military service.

This lady is remarkable, and I am in awe! She not only gives me joy, but defines my reason for serving at St. Vincent de Paul Society. While we may not always know “How WE do it? “ we always remember, “Why WE do it!”

So What’s next for Rosie? She will honor her husband Dan’s LIFE and his SERVICE in Vietnam as she lays him to rest, and YOU are ALL Invited.

PLEASE SHARE This Invitation:
Funeral of Springfield’s Vietnam Veteran, Daniel Senters (Memorial, Taps, & Twenty-One Gun Salute)
Friday, March 6th, Promptly at 2:00pm Dayton V.A. Cemetery on W. 3rd Street

Let’s join together as Americans and Neighbors, as we honor and salute our veteran and his widow for their sacrifices.
In Spirituality Friendship, & Service.

Casey Rollins