Finding Private Roy – The Catholic Thing

The Catholic Thing’s contributor tells the story of her stepfather’s harrowing experience in the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. He was one of what Tom Brokaw dubbed the “Greatest Generation,” right up until the end. Eberstadt writes, “At eighty-six years old and in his right mind, as ever, he took himself off dialysis, knowing the decision would end his life within weeks. He filled those remaining hours surrounded by family and friends. A few days before dying, he had breakfast with an old buddy and told him with a grin, ‘Vinnie, this is it! This week I’m going to heaven.’ No one listening had a dry eye. Except Dad, unflappable as usual.”