A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
Update 2: I received an update from Linda Bell. Please keep praying for Seamus!
Hello to All Hands,
Here is an update on Seamus’ condition. He had his skin graft done on 11 Dec. They used his own skin and the hope is that it will take. 15 Dec they will take the dressing off and take a look. We will see. There will be just enough physical therapy to get him from bed to chair. Then the next place is home. We are hoping he will be there by Christmas.
Thanks for all the prayers. Keep them coming.Linda Bell
Update: I’ve made this a sticky post so none of us forget to send Seamus some cheer. Also, I would like to thank everyone on Twitter for retweeting the link I sent when I published the post. All of you are awesome and I invite you to follow @artitumis to see all my tweets.
I started a category called All Hands a good time ago to post emails sent by Marine Corporal Seamus. Seamus is an outstanding Marine who served with great pride during the 60′s. Since he left active duty, he has taken care of Marines in ways that I can’t begin to describe. He is one of the good guys.
Seamus has fallen very ill as of late. Blackfive has given me permission to “steal” (I say suspiciously acquire) his blog post on the topic. Please remember Seamus during the holiday times and also take a few minutes to get his hospital address to send him good cheer.
The following is from Blackfive.
A few hundred times, I’ve posted “Via Seamus” or “Via Corporal Seamus” as the intro to the post. And a few times, some of you ask me “Who is this Seamus?”. Out of respect for his privacy, I haven’t responded.
Jim “Seamus” Garrahy was a Corporal of Marines decades ago. He is one of the most connected Marines I’ve ever known and I am honored to have become a friend of his. Over the last two decades, Seamus has opened his home up to Marines and Young Marines. I know that some of you have been there during battlefield walks.
Seamus and I have teamed up on many issues – mostly about Marines. And through his contacts and through military blogs, we have done some amazing things. I cannot say enough about this gentleman. Without Seamus, we would not have been able to do as much as we have.
Last month, Seamus was headed to North Carolina to speak at the USMC Birthday Ball. He developed gangrene in his leg from a strep infection and was taken to the emergency room at Craven Regional Medical Center. There he underwent surgery to remove the infected tissue and spent two weeks in their ICU. He was moved a week ago to UNC hospital in Chapel Hill, NC where he awaits skin grafts to cover his leg from knee to ankle. If things go well he will be there for two months. The doctors are trying to get his leg prepared for the grafting as well as take care of some other health issues which have come about due to the infection being throughout his body.
Since the environment is “clean”, I can’t send pretty flowers or cigars wrapped with the Army logo on them. But we can send cards.
If you would like to send Seamus a get well card with support and encouragement, send me [Blackfive] a email with the subject line as SEAMUS and I’ll send you his hospital address. If you are a current, retired or former Marine, I am positive that Seamus would love to hear from you.
If you can, say a prayer for Seamus Garrahy. He’s said more than his fair share for our military and has never asked for anything in return.
(15) Readers Comments
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Lisa: I also met him on Are You Interested... and got the poems :-) If
Scott
That’s not a favor. That’s an honor. Done.
donna kay
Seamus – I’m not an American but I am a woman who truly respects those men and women who dedicate their lives to a selfless duty. And more I applaud those who help and support others to do the same. You sound like an old school man – and thank goodness you’re getting some help down there in North Carolina. All the best to you Seamus, I’ll be sending all good thought over the next few months.
Bob Wilson
Our prayers go out to this man. Thank you for serving at a time that was so difficult for any to support our men. You sir are an example of what true sacrifice is all about. May God’s peace and healing go with you.
Bob Wilson
Bruce
Seamus, you have the prayers and good wishes of an old Army sarge. Bless you, and do what the medics tell you to do, and especially believe the occupational therapists. They are miracle workers.
Kate Southcott
Seamus, We are all here in Manassas praying for you and your speedy recovery.
Kate,Chris,Austin,Ian,and Hannah Southcott
Dawn
Sir – as a grandaughter of a retired Air Force Staff Srgnt. – please accept my thanks for helping to protect my country and my family. Know that you are in my prayers and I’m wishing you all the best -
Eric M. Mantion
Serious question but perhaps an ignorant one: Does he need “donors” of skin?
Is this something that one person can donate to another.
I’m guessing that taking skin from one part of his body to another is taxing, but if they could take the skin from someone else and transplant it, then perhaps easier on his already strained body.
If so, I’d be happy to donate (if I was compatible). Please post an answer if you can.
Thanks
Marcus
I don’t think skin is something you can really donate, Eric. I know they are able to grow the skin used for the grafts in labs, though.
Marcus
Thank you to everyone for your comments. Seamus is a great man and I hope all of you have been able to take a moment to send a card or say a prayer.
Donna
I’m praying for Seamus. I know that our God hears and answers when we call. Get Well Soon Seamus!! God Bless You!!
Janine
Prayers to you Seamus. For a speedy recovery, peace, joy and feeeeeeling the love of Jesus.
Janine
Viet Nam Vet
Gulf War Vet
NY-David
Hang in there, Seamus. Anything I can do, let me know!
NY-David
MissBirdlegs in AL
Card sent. I’ve enjoyed his stuff for years at B5 and the occasional ones you’ve put up here. Marcus, will you or Blackfive be able to give us updates on how he’s doing?
Marcus
I’ll post any updates I get from Linda Bell as they come in. I think she is back in NC with Seamus and they don’t have a laptop that I know of. I’ll get with B5 and see if we can get an update.
Dawn
What wonderful progress….here’s hoping you’ll be home for Christmas….