My HEARTMATE ll: The Creed of an LVAD Recipient

My Rifle: The Creed of a US Marine
by Major General William H. Rupertus USMC, Ret.
(written following the attach on Pearl Harbor)
has been adapted for the respect of a HEARTMATE II LVAD and the Recipient.

My HEARTMATE II: The Creed of an LVAD Recipient

This is my HEARTMATE II. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My HEARTMATE II is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

My HEARTMATE II, without me, is useless. Without my HEARTMATE II, I am useless. I must use my HEARTMATE II honest and true. I must remain more diligent in diet and form than my enemies that attack my health and heart. I must act before it acts upon me. I will...

My HEARTMATE II and myself know that what counts in this war is not only the blood that pumps and flows, the progress or setbacks. We know it is also for the general good of future generations that count. We will...

My HEARTMATE II is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn it's weaknesses, it's strengths, it's parts, it's accessories, it's purpose and it's flow. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my HEARTMATE II clean from bacteria and have the spare equal and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...

Before God, I swear this creed. My HEARTMATE II and myself are the defenders of my well-being. We are the masters of our enemies. We are the saviours of my life.

So be it, until victory is achieved and there is no enemy, but peace and a healthier life!

Taken from: http://fromthebottomofmylvad.blogspot.com