He said "I need help" - What could I do?

A young soldier came into the A&D office one night. He looked like all of the young men serving in Vietnam. The Jungle Fatigues, Jungle Boots, etc. I spoke with him. He became user of drugs and wanted help. I don't remember if ER Staff saw him or not but do remember that they felt there was nothing they could do for him and he would have to come back tomorrow.

It was one of those few nights where it was somewhat quiet. He was sitting on one of the four or five chairs we had. I grabbed one of the old magazines laying around and went over and sat by him. I started a little conversation and he asked that I close the magazine, which I did. Do I remember the little bit of conversation we had. No. But I remember him saying "I need help".

These three words really hit me hard. "I need help." What could I do?" He was already turned away as there was no physical injuries, wounds, etc. that we saw constantly. What could I do? I sat there with him for a little while, neither of us speaking. "What could I do"started to sound like "What can I do." Many different things. I could just sit in silence. I could go back to work on the admissions report or the 24 hour report, etc.

"What can I do" began to sound like "I can help". I asked him to sit there and I went behind the curtain into ER. I spoke to one of the nurses and pleaded my case for this young man. She listened. And she didn't say "What can I do". She said "I can get him admitted. It may be for only tonight but I can get him admitted." She did.

I'll never know what happened after he was admitted or what happened in the following days, weeks and years. But I do know that he is my brother always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.