Bear. One of my favorite Vietnam-era Marines.

We met in hospice and immediately formed a bond that has continued across the veil.

We would talk and he would tell stories that made his wife blush. A couple of times she tried to remind him that I am a lady, and he shouldn’t use language like that. But I knew he needed to connect with his beloved Marine Corps one more time, and I was there for it.

One of the last times I ever saw him I was walking out the door.

He called out to me, “Marine Girl!”

I turned and looked at him, “Yes, Bear?”

“I got your six.”

That single sentence told me everything.

I choked back tears. “Bear? I’ve got yours.”

The day after he passed, he sent me a sign that he was now at his new post guarding the gates and I knew he was ok.

Years later, he still sends signs and I know he continues to tell stories, use colorful language, and watch over me.

Thank you, Bear. You are loved.