GRATEFUL: Raul to the rescue

I would like to thank Congressman Raul Labrador for helping my uncle, Ed McGee, die with dignity.

Ed was one of eight brothers, all veterans. Seven served in World War II, Ed in Korea. Ed worked for many years as a groundskeeper for the Boise School District and moved to Benewah County after the death of his wife. They didn’t have children, so I was Ed’s closest relative.

When Ed was diagnosed with a lung tumor, he refused treatment. All of his brothers died of cancer and Ed was a stubborn old coot who didn’t want chemo or radiation or feeding tubes.

As his next of kin, I tried to arrange for hospice care through the VA, but kept hitting dead ends. Luckily, I happened upon a letter to the editor in the Coeur d’Alene Press from a veteran praising Labrador for providing assistance.

Boy was he right. Shortly after reaching Labrador’s staff, I got a call from a top VA official who moved immediately to work things out. As a result Uncle Ed died on his own terms, at 84, on Flag Day. I also wish to thank the staff at Benewah Community Hospital for their excellent care.

DON McGEE

Bullhead City, Ariz.