Veteran thanks God for help

To the Editor,

My name is Ulysses Neal II. I was born in Memphis, Tennessee. I moved to Sikeston with my father to try and get my life together, without success. So my father took me to the Poplar Bluff treatment center at the VA since I am a veteran. I ended up getting a job at the VA.

In 2014, I was in a car accident on my way from the Raiders basketball game. My vehicle was hit and rolled three times. I remembered panicking and trying to get out. I noticed a man standing there telling me to kick the windshield out since it was already shattered. I kicked it out and he helped me.

I found out later who this man was and his name is David at East Side Pharmacy. I also remembered having a seatbelt on, which I would have never put on a seat belt. Nobody but God, he knew what was going to happen and prepared me for it.

I got off drugs but I was still drinking. In 2020, I had my first stroke and went to the VA, who transferred me to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. I was there for a couple of days until I was cleared to go home with no side effects. I followed up with my primary care physician, who informed me that if I keep drinking I would end up having another stroke or worse.

I ignored his warning and kept drinking and ended up having another stroke. This one was more severe than the last one; I could hardly walk or write my name and I had some facial drooping. I was transferred to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. On my way there, I was still having stroke symptoms. I asked the paramedics what was going on, why am I numb on my right side and I can only move on the left? He stated that was the side the stroke was affecting. I remember praying to God and asking him to forgive me of my sins and help me to change my life.

When I was released from Mercy Hospital, I finally made the decision to stop drinking. I thank God for removing the alcohol addiction. It took me some time to recover from the stoke this time and again I thank God for healing my body.

I started going to church regularly at New Home Missionary Baptist Church in Broseley, where I renewed my membership under the leadership of Minister Angelea Overton. She has been an asset in my life and I really appreciate her. I can always go to her with any problem, questions or concerns. When it comes to testimonial service, I always get up and thank God for saving me and putting me on the right track. Some times you need a wake up call in life and he definitely woke me up.

Now I feed the homeless and visit the residents at the nursing home when I am able. I will be going back to work at the VA soon. My future plans are to write my story and have it published.

I cannot do anything else but thank God for all that he has done for me. He is worthy of all the honor and praise. I will continue to worship and glorify him.

Ulysses Neal II

Poplar Bluff