I am not naive enough to not know that even people that have not been to combat can suffer from PTSD. There are lots of situations where this can be the case, however, in my opinion. George Zimmerman does NOT fit this description.
To me, this is exactly why it is hard for many people to take PTSD seriously enough to make sure our troops and those truly suffering with it, because I believe it is too easily thrown around as a diagnosis.
When I saw this article about George Zimmerman, I truly felt ill. I pray for the guys that served with Chad that they get through life as happy, healthy, and alive as they possibly can after all they have been through and the ones that PTSD ends up taking from us far too soon and the families of those left behind and then I see something like this it breaks my heart.
I don't want to make anyone believe or feel like I do by any means, but I do hope to at least spark a little thought behind what PTSD really is and how devastating it is for the person dealing with it and the families and friends that love them.
http://gma.yahoo.com/george-zimmerman-lives-constant-fear-ptsd-132641943--abc-news-topstories.html
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Still learning about myself
I have had quite the last couple of weeks. I believe most of us think we know ourselves (at least I did), but I got a pretty good look at myself from my sister's perspective this past week and confirmation from another one.
Let me explain. I'm the first born out of 7 kids (blended family) and I typically find myself being the surrogate mother and take care of things when they pop up. There have been times when one might be in trouble for something and I could be two states away and they would call me to help fix the mess or tell them what they should do. I actually love this role of my life and I really have never known anything different.
Well, last week I was talking to my youngest sister and she asked me what was wrong, I said, I don't really know. I just feel like I've been in a funk and I can't put my finger on it. She said, "you don't have me to take care of anymore". I'm like, what? She said, "I don't have cancer anymore". You finally find yourself without someone or a project to focus on she basically said and you don't know what to do with yourself. At the time I said maybe you are right. After we hung up the phone I started thinking about what she said and I thought, she might actually have a point. Then I thought to myself, do I always do this? Do I find "projects" whether it be people or foundation or reorganizing my house a thousand times over just to avoid facing my own feelings or grief?
So, I asked my other sister if this really is what I do and I made her be honest. I'm pretty sure she didn't hesitate to say, um, yes!
Well, there you go. Even now, after I thought I knew myself pretty well by now, I discover something I guess I never realized.
I knew when Chad would deploy I would try to find a project to keep me busy and my mind off the danger he was in (if that was even possible), but I always figured that was more for Tebo and my family than for me. Then when Chad passed away apparently I've been keeping busy with various other "projects" that I truly did not realize what I was doing. I'm not really sure if I have even gone through a large portion of grief yet as I haven't had some of the stages "they" say you go through yet. I'm not so sure I want to, honestly.
So after having two sisters states apart from each other confirm this to me, I guess it is time for me to face the fact. I would rather take care of someone else, or work on our foundation, or a project than for someone to take care of me or to face my true feelings.
I would like to say that I will change that about myself, but I'm pretty sure that isn't going to happen any time soon. I actually prefer to help someone else or take care of them than to think about how I might be feeling, because honestly, I don't know if I want to uncover that just yet.
Is that healthy? Probably not, but right now, that's all I can promise.
So don't be surprised if you are going through something and I find out about it that you don't become my "project" for the moment. Apparently no one is safe from me. LOL! I will say this, I'm glad I have family and friends that just accept me for who I am and just let me be me. I am pretty sure I would drive myself crazy if the shoe were on the other foot.
Let me explain. I'm the first born out of 7 kids (blended family) and I typically find myself being the surrogate mother and take care of things when they pop up. There have been times when one might be in trouble for something and I could be two states away and they would call me to help fix the mess or tell them what they should do. I actually love this role of my life and I really have never known anything different.
Well, last week I was talking to my youngest sister and she asked me what was wrong, I said, I don't really know. I just feel like I've been in a funk and I can't put my finger on it. She said, "you don't have me to take care of anymore". I'm like, what? She said, "I don't have cancer anymore". You finally find yourself without someone or a project to focus on she basically said and you don't know what to do with yourself. At the time I said maybe you are right. After we hung up the phone I started thinking about what she said and I thought, she might actually have a point. Then I thought to myself, do I always do this? Do I find "projects" whether it be people or foundation or reorganizing my house a thousand times over just to avoid facing my own feelings or grief?
So, I asked my other sister if this really is what I do and I made her be honest. I'm pretty sure she didn't hesitate to say, um, yes!
Well, there you go. Even now, after I thought I knew myself pretty well by now, I discover something I guess I never realized.
I knew when Chad would deploy I would try to find a project to keep me busy and my mind off the danger he was in (if that was even possible), but I always figured that was more for Tebo and my family than for me. Then when Chad passed away apparently I've been keeping busy with various other "projects" that I truly did not realize what I was doing. I'm not really sure if I have even gone through a large portion of grief yet as I haven't had some of the stages "they" say you go through yet. I'm not so sure I want to, honestly.
So after having two sisters states apart from each other confirm this to me, I guess it is time for me to face the fact. I would rather take care of someone else, or work on our foundation, or a project than for someone to take care of me or to face my true feelings.
I would like to say that I will change that about myself, but I'm pretty sure that isn't going to happen any time soon. I actually prefer to help someone else or take care of them than to think about how I might be feeling, because honestly, I don't know if I want to uncover that just yet.
Is that healthy? Probably not, but right now, that's all I can promise.
So don't be surprised if you are going through something and I find out about it that you don't become my "project" for the moment. Apparently no one is safe from me. LOL! I will say this, I'm glad I have family and friends that just accept me for who I am and just let me be me. I am pretty sure I would drive myself crazy if the shoe were on the other foot.
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| Before my world blew up... |
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
WFOT supports those struggling with PTSD and their loved ones
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
PTSD is not only effecting our military
Our service men and women that are diagnosed and suffering with PTSD are not the only ones suffering. Have you ever stopped to think what this does to their family and close friends? Moms and dads have to watch their child suffer and feel there is nothing they can do. Spouses watch and many times are pushed away and feel helpless and abandoned. The children of these service men and women don't understand. All they know is mommy or daddy is different now and they just can't figure out why and there is always that chance they may even blame themselves.
We as a Nation owe it to these service men and women and their families to do all we can do to help them. It could be a simple card/letter, an encouraging word, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, anything. It doesn't even have to cost you money or that much time. It would be amazing to these folks that are suffering just to know there are people out there that do really care about what they are going through.
I can only imagine how alone each of these people must feel at times and I think that is what breaks my heart the most. I would never want them to think they have no one to turn to.
It has been my experience so far that many of our service men and women suffering chose to suffer in silence for several reasons (I believe). One, I believe they don't want to burden their families any more than they feel they may have already done. Second, I'm not sure they know how to take that first step and just open up. Third and probably most importantly, I believe they view this as a weakness and they have been trained not to show weakness and to be brave and strong at all times. This makes me sad.
They have been trained physically and emotionally to be protectors. How can they lean on someone else, especially family and friends, if they continue to feel it is their "duty" to protect them? I believe many of them feel this way. I could be wrong, but based on the ones I've talked to, I don't think I am.
Stop and think how these parents must feel. I will speak specifically about the moms as those are the ones I've actually spoken to so far. They not only feel helpless, but they feel a since of failure and abandonment. You might ask yourself why since they didn't cause this. Well, speaking as a mom, it is our job to protect and care for your child regardless his/her age. I know for me, it wouldn't have matter how old Chad was or if he were married (which he was) or how many children he had (which were none), I would have still done anything and everything to take care of him and make sure he was healthy, happy, and just ok. I believe all moms have that in them, always.
As for spouses, can you imagine? First, the love of their life is different and sometimes very different than the man or woman they married. They want to continue to love them and help them through this and feel helpless I'm sure. Think about it, they know their spouse is different and sometimes someone with PTSD can be mean, certainly angry at times and depressed. It may take them months or years to figure out this is the issue. Can you imagine what a toll this would take on a marriage and sadly, I'm afraid, most don't make it through this. It takes a mighty strong couple who are determined despite anything thrown their way, they will make this marriage work. However, I can tell you, that is easier said than done when you feel there is no way out or no help for the situation.
There is hope and there is a way out. There are so many organizations out there willing and waiting to help. There are support groups not only for the service member, but for the families as well. Please take advantage of these resources. If these organizations are anything like our Wings for Our Troops, they are desperate to help. We long for the next service member to send home and when we go months without one request it gets disheartening. I am certain that is how these other organizations must feel.
I was recently told that there is a military veteran that is looking into a business to train dogs that can sense when someone is about to have an episode or show symptoms of PTSD and will prompt the service member to take his/her medication. Now I also have to tell you that I have yet to find such an organization out there, but I will continue to look. I did, however, find that there are PTSD dogs that have been trained to be companions and they are seeing that it helps the patient cope when he/she has one of these dogs. I'm not much of a dog lover (ok, not at all), but if this is something that helps our service men/women suffering with PTSD, I'm all for it. I have a few links below that you are welcome to check out and see if any of these are a fit for you.
By all means, if you are a service member and you have been diagnosed or feel you may be having symptoms of PTSD, talk to someone. If you don't want to speak to your family or friends then find someone else. I am an email or post away and there are so many out there with open arms ready to help lift you up. That is certainly the first step in truly getting the help you need to live a long, healthy, and happy life. You deserve it!
http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=ptsd%20hotline%20for%20veterans&utm_content=ptsdveterans&utm_campaign=ptsd
http://www.allamericandog.net/ptsd_dog_training.html
http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/02/11/meditation-helps-refugees-recover-from-ptsd/65732.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-and-diagnosis-of-ptsd/000158
http://ptsdsupport.net/
Please do not suffer in silence any longer and do not allow PTSD rob you of the life you deserve.
We as a Nation owe it to these service men and women and their families to do all we can do to help them. It could be a simple card/letter, an encouraging word, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, anything. It doesn't even have to cost you money or that much time. It would be amazing to these folks that are suffering just to know there are people out there that do really care about what they are going through.
I can only imagine how alone each of these people must feel at times and I think that is what breaks my heart the most. I would never want them to think they have no one to turn to.
It has been my experience so far that many of our service men and women suffering chose to suffer in silence for several reasons (I believe). One, I believe they don't want to burden their families any more than they feel they may have already done. Second, I'm not sure they know how to take that first step and just open up. Third and probably most importantly, I believe they view this as a weakness and they have been trained not to show weakness and to be brave and strong at all times. This makes me sad.
They have been trained physically and emotionally to be protectors. How can they lean on someone else, especially family and friends, if they continue to feel it is their "duty" to protect them? I believe many of them feel this way. I could be wrong, but based on the ones I've talked to, I don't think I am.
Stop and think how these parents must feel. I will speak specifically about the moms as those are the ones I've actually spoken to so far. They not only feel helpless, but they feel a since of failure and abandonment. You might ask yourself why since they didn't cause this. Well, speaking as a mom, it is our job to protect and care for your child regardless his/her age. I know for me, it wouldn't have matter how old Chad was or if he were married (which he was) or how many children he had (which were none), I would have still done anything and everything to take care of him and make sure he was healthy, happy, and just ok. I believe all moms have that in them, always.
As for spouses, can you imagine? First, the love of their life is different and sometimes very different than the man or woman they married. They want to continue to love them and help them through this and feel helpless I'm sure. Think about it, they know their spouse is different and sometimes someone with PTSD can be mean, certainly angry at times and depressed. It may take them months or years to figure out this is the issue. Can you imagine what a toll this would take on a marriage and sadly, I'm afraid, most don't make it through this. It takes a mighty strong couple who are determined despite anything thrown their way, they will make this marriage work. However, I can tell you, that is easier said than done when you feel there is no way out or no help for the situation.
There is hope and there is a way out. There are so many organizations out there willing and waiting to help. There are support groups not only for the service member, but for the families as well. Please take advantage of these resources. If these organizations are anything like our Wings for Our Troops, they are desperate to help. We long for the next service member to send home and when we go months without one request it gets disheartening. I am certain that is how these other organizations must feel.
I was recently told that there is a military veteran that is looking into a business to train dogs that can sense when someone is about to have an episode or show symptoms of PTSD and will prompt the service member to take his/her medication. Now I also have to tell you that I have yet to find such an organization out there, but I will continue to look. I did, however, find that there are PTSD dogs that have been trained to be companions and they are seeing that it helps the patient cope when he/she has one of these dogs. I'm not much of a dog lover (ok, not at all), but if this is something that helps our service men/women suffering with PTSD, I'm all for it. I have a few links below that you are welcome to check out and see if any of these are a fit for you.
By all means, if you are a service member and you have been diagnosed or feel you may be having symptoms of PTSD, talk to someone. If you don't want to speak to your family or friends then find someone else. I am an email or post away and there are so many out there with open arms ready to help lift you up. That is certainly the first step in truly getting the help you need to live a long, healthy, and happy life. You deserve it!
http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=ptsd%20hotline%20for%20veterans&utm_content=ptsdveterans&utm_campaign=ptsd
http://www.allamericandog.net/ptsd_dog_training.html
http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/02/11/meditation-helps-refugees-recover-from-ptsd/65732.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-and-diagnosis-of-ptsd/000158
http://ptsdsupport.net/
Please do not suffer in silence any longer and do not allow PTSD rob you of the life you deserve.
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| Pain in a little boy's eyes that has to watch someone he loves suffer with PTSD (picture courtesy of easyreadsystem.com) |
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| Picture courtesy of photo bucket |
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| The look of a wife or mother that feels helpless in helping their child or spouse (picture courtesy of urbanchristiannews.com) |
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
When a Heart Breaks
I had the honor (I guess you can call it that) to chat with a mom who lost her son to PTSD recently. I know right where she is right now. She is in a fog. She is just going through the motions of life and probably not even sure how she got from point A to point B at times. My heart breaks for her.
I've been doing some research and reading and studying anything I can get my hands on about PTSD so I can hopefully be of some help to these young men that are now my bonus sons. One of the things that I've learned is that it is common amongst almost all of them is that these young men and women don't really know the words they need to use to express what they are going through. They can't really tell you what is wrong and for the most part, they have been taught to be so tough that asking for help when things just don't feel quite right would be a sign of weakness to them.
I would like to take a moment here to speak to those young men and women that might (hopefully) be reading this. It is never a sign of weakness for you to ask for help or merely tell someone close to you that you don't know what it is, but you just don't feel quite right or quite yourself. This is the first step to healing and getting the help you need to live a full and successful life. You can't do this on your own. I would also like so say that your family sees a difference in you at times, but they don't know how to help or how much to step in. Give them permission to love you enough to help you. That's all they want to do.
I can't speak for other people, but as a mom, it is hard to watch your child struggle and not know what to do or knowing you can't do anything to help them. It's a terrible place to be as a parent so help them out by letting them in.
As a parent, you can't always know what is going on with your child inside their minds and hearts. They have seen and experienced things in their short lives that most of us will never experience or understand. They probably don't even understand it themselves so how could we/you possibly understand.
All we can do is be there for them and let them know that it's ok and that there isn't anything you wouldn't do for them.
The other thing I have noticed is these young men and women are more likely to reach out to each other before even family. I believe they do this because they know they are the only ones that really get what they are going through as they lived it with them. I would encourage you guys, if one of your brothers comes to you and shares their heart with you and you believe it is enough that they need to speak to someone professional, try to find a way to let someone know. We don't want to see any other family lose a child because of this war either in action or as a result of this silent disease PTSD.
I also believe in my heart that these young men and women worry more about being a burden on their loved ones and I think that too keeps them from sharing. In addition, I have to believe they don't discuss their experience of war with most (if anyone) people, because they don't want to re-live that experience and maybe they are afraid if they talk about it, it will become too real again.
I'm not an expert by any means and I'm certainly not a very intelligent person, but I love these boys my son served with and I have watched and listened to them and I have a true burden on my heart to help them and the parents of our fallen heroes that won't allow me to stop thinking about this. I need to do something, but I don't know what. I can promise you that I will do all I can to figure that out and to promise to do all I can to make sure there is a difference made even if it is just one person.
If you are a parent of a service member, you know how tight this band of brothers is and I for one love seeing that closeness. Here is a picture that was taken in CA after a much needed cookout with Tebo, myself, and just some of our new bonus kids and while they aren't all in this picture, I believe this picture gives you a glimpse into how much they love each other and I believe it is a love that will carry on for the rest of their lives. Enjoy these smiles. I know I do every day.
I've been doing some research and reading and studying anything I can get my hands on about PTSD so I can hopefully be of some help to these young men that are now my bonus sons. One of the things that I've learned is that it is common amongst almost all of them is that these young men and women don't really know the words they need to use to express what they are going through. They can't really tell you what is wrong and for the most part, they have been taught to be so tough that asking for help when things just don't feel quite right would be a sign of weakness to them.
I would like to take a moment here to speak to those young men and women that might (hopefully) be reading this. It is never a sign of weakness for you to ask for help or merely tell someone close to you that you don't know what it is, but you just don't feel quite right or quite yourself. This is the first step to healing and getting the help you need to live a full and successful life. You can't do this on your own. I would also like so say that your family sees a difference in you at times, but they don't know how to help or how much to step in. Give them permission to love you enough to help you. That's all they want to do.
I can't speak for other people, but as a mom, it is hard to watch your child struggle and not know what to do or knowing you can't do anything to help them. It's a terrible place to be as a parent so help them out by letting them in.
As a parent, you can't always know what is going on with your child inside their minds and hearts. They have seen and experienced things in their short lives that most of us will never experience or understand. They probably don't even understand it themselves so how could we/you possibly understand.
All we can do is be there for them and let them know that it's ok and that there isn't anything you wouldn't do for them.
The other thing I have noticed is these young men and women are more likely to reach out to each other before even family. I believe they do this because they know they are the only ones that really get what they are going through as they lived it with them. I would encourage you guys, if one of your brothers comes to you and shares their heart with you and you believe it is enough that they need to speak to someone professional, try to find a way to let someone know. We don't want to see any other family lose a child because of this war either in action or as a result of this silent disease PTSD.
I also believe in my heart that these young men and women worry more about being a burden on their loved ones and I think that too keeps them from sharing. In addition, I have to believe they don't discuss their experience of war with most (if anyone) people, because they don't want to re-live that experience and maybe they are afraid if they talk about it, it will become too real again.
I'm not an expert by any means and I'm certainly not a very intelligent person, but I love these boys my son served with and I have watched and listened to them and I have a true burden on my heart to help them and the parents of our fallen heroes that won't allow me to stop thinking about this. I need to do something, but I don't know what. I can promise you that I will do all I can to figure that out and to promise to do all I can to make sure there is a difference made even if it is just one person.
If you are a parent of a service member, you know how tight this band of brothers is and I for one love seeing that closeness. Here is a picture that was taken in CA after a much needed cookout with Tebo, myself, and just some of our new bonus kids and while they aren't all in this picture, I believe this picture gives you a glimpse into how much they love each other and I believe it is a love that will carry on for the rest of their lives. Enjoy these smiles. I know I do every day.
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| The Mountain Dew Gang. :) 5-25-11 in CA at Camp Pendleton Most everyone wearing a Mountain Dew t-shirt in honor of Chad! |
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| He sure loved this t-shirt... :) |
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
PTSD... Taking too many too soon
I have been sadly aware of PTSD http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/post-traumatic-stress-disorder since this horrible war began, but nothing like when Chad was killed. I have watched some of his closets friends struggle with this (mostly in private) disease. I heard from a Veteran and friend today that he met several Gold Star Moms http://www.goldstarmoms.com/ that lost their sons (Marines) to suicide as a result of PTSD. That saddens me beyond words.
This friend of mine (to remain nameless as I didn't get his permission to use his name) is working to get a non-profit together to help these young men and women suffering with this disease. I know it takes time and a lot of red tape to get one started, but it's a start. It is truly a silent killer, I believe.
He did tell me of a couple of organizations that are out there currently to help such as RWB http://www.teamrwb.org/ and The Mission Continues http://missioncontinues.org/, but these guys can't do it alone. There are too many of our men and women suffering out there and we as a Nation need to be concerned and care enough to get involved.
Last night I saw a very cool story about a band "Band of Brothers" http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57611639/band-of-brothers/ where a rock and roll legend, Roger Walters of Pink Floyd, saw a need and understood or believed that music can be a healer and pulled together a group of wounded warriors to great this band. These guys are amputees, double amputees, triple amputees, and so on. They either play an instrument or sing or both. I encourage you to check them out. It is an amazing story and will give you chills and maybe even cause a little "awesomeness" to leak out of your eyes when you hear their story and see what the healing power of music is doing for these guys. Thank you, Roger Walters, for having a vision and making a difference.
I wish I could take each and every military member suffering with PTSD http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/post-traumatic-stress-disorder and wrap my arms around them and tell them we are truly here for them. That is the very least we can do for these fine men and women who sacrifice and endure so much for us. Make it more personal if you have to. They have sacrificed, endured, and seen more horrific things than a person (especially with most of these being 18 to early to mid 20's) should have to experience in a lifetime for ME. They did this for ME and YOU! We should all be asking ourselves, what can I do for THEM!
I challenge you to get outside your comfort zone and be willing to offer a helping hand. It doesn't have to cost you anything, but a little time a hug or a smile or a conversation. I believe we are all capable of doing that.
Something I think about at times like this is when I hear or see people get so emotional when those commercials about sick or abused animals come on TV and yet they might hear a commercial or hear someone speak of PTSD and it's as though no words were spoken. That bothers me. I'm not saying everyone does this, but I have seen my fair share of those that do and that is difficult for me.
I pledge to be one of the ones that will step out of my comfort zone and offer a hand no matter what that might be if I am at all in a position to do so. It might just be a kind word or paying for a meal or better yet, just listening.
If you are a member of the military or have a loved one who is/was and are suffering from PTSD and you are reading this, you can reach out to me and I will listen and do anything I can to help you or steer you in the right direction. If you are a mom who has lost a child in this war regardless how, I am willing to listen and be a support for you.
These young men and women have burned a place in my heart that will never go away and as long as there are those suffering with this terrible disease or someone who has lost a child or loved one in this horrific war, I will always be here to listen and offer what I can.
Lord, please be with each and every member of our Military at home or abroad and give them the physical and mental strength to face each day. Lord, also be with their families and close friends that walk these steps with them and give them the peace and understanding they need to encourage and support them in this honorable job they have chosen to do on our behalf. Amen.
This friend of mine (to remain nameless as I didn't get his permission to use his name) is working to get a non-profit together to help these young men and women suffering with this disease. I know it takes time and a lot of red tape to get one started, but it's a start. It is truly a silent killer, I believe.
He did tell me of a couple of organizations that are out there currently to help such as RWB http://www.teamrwb.org/ and The Mission Continues http://missioncontinues.org/, but these guys can't do it alone. There are too many of our men and women suffering out there and we as a Nation need to be concerned and care enough to get involved.
Last night I saw a very cool story about a band "Band of Brothers" http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57611639/band-of-brothers/ where a rock and roll legend, Roger Walters of Pink Floyd, saw a need and understood or believed that music can be a healer and pulled together a group of wounded warriors to great this band. These guys are amputees, double amputees, triple amputees, and so on. They either play an instrument or sing or both. I encourage you to check them out. It is an amazing story and will give you chills and maybe even cause a little "awesomeness" to leak out of your eyes when you hear their story and see what the healing power of music is doing for these guys. Thank you, Roger Walters, for having a vision and making a difference.
I wish I could take each and every military member suffering with PTSD http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/post-traumatic-stress-disorder and wrap my arms around them and tell them we are truly here for them. That is the very least we can do for these fine men and women who sacrifice and endure so much for us. Make it more personal if you have to. They have sacrificed, endured, and seen more horrific things than a person (especially with most of these being 18 to early to mid 20's) should have to experience in a lifetime for ME. They did this for ME and YOU! We should all be asking ourselves, what can I do for THEM!
I challenge you to get outside your comfort zone and be willing to offer a helping hand. It doesn't have to cost you anything, but a little time a hug or a smile or a conversation. I believe we are all capable of doing that.
Something I think about at times like this is when I hear or see people get so emotional when those commercials about sick or abused animals come on TV and yet they might hear a commercial or hear someone speak of PTSD and it's as though no words were spoken. That bothers me. I'm not saying everyone does this, but I have seen my fair share of those that do and that is difficult for me.
I pledge to be one of the ones that will step out of my comfort zone and offer a hand no matter what that might be if I am at all in a position to do so. It might just be a kind word or paying for a meal or better yet, just listening.
If you are a member of the military or have a loved one who is/was and are suffering from PTSD and you are reading this, you can reach out to me and I will listen and do anything I can to help you or steer you in the right direction. If you are a mom who has lost a child in this war regardless how, I am willing to listen and be a support for you.
These young men and women have burned a place in my heart that will never go away and as long as there are those suffering with this terrible disease or someone who has lost a child or loved one in this horrific war, I will always be here to listen and offer what I can.
Lord, please be with each and every member of our Military at home or abroad and give them the physical and mental strength to face each day. Lord, also be with their families and close friends that walk these steps with them and give them the peace and understanding they need to encourage and support them in this honorable job they have chosen to do on our behalf. Amen.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Happy Veterans' Day 2013
To all our Veterans who have served or still serving we would like to say THANK YOU! I wish, we as a Nation, would do a better job collectively of thank you every day rather than certain times of the year, but it's my hope that you are shown appreciation more today than in days past.
I'm so proud of our company Tyson Foods, Inc. and Walmart for making such a great effort to hire our Veterans. It makes me proud that not only myself, but my husband, and two of our daughters work for Tyson Foods, Inc. and we have the honor each day to see just what we do for our Veterans and how we honor them, but more than that, giving them a job and help with the transition into civilian life again.
The sad stories that we have experienced with so many Veterans not being able to find work is heartbreaking. It does my heart good to see how these two companies are going above and beyond to hire these heroes. I am certain there are many more companies joining this effort, but these two I know personally are doing so and with Tyson Foods, Inc. and their Camo to Khaki program sets a new higher level of pride within me just knowing I am a part of a company doing great things.
With all that said, thank you to all our Veterans who have ever worn the uniform and signed on that dotted line to serve and sacrifice even if it's with their own lives for our freedoms. I hope you always feel the appreciation from a very grateful Nation!
I'm so proud of our company Tyson Foods, Inc. and Walmart for making such a great effort to hire our Veterans. It makes me proud that not only myself, but my husband, and two of our daughters work for Tyson Foods, Inc. and we have the honor each day to see just what we do for our Veterans and how we honor them, but more than that, giving them a job and help with the transition into civilian life again.
The sad stories that we have experienced with so many Veterans not being able to find work is heartbreaking. It does my heart good to see how these two companies are going above and beyond to hire these heroes. I am certain there are many more companies joining this effort, but these two I know personally are doing so and with Tyson Foods, Inc. and their Camo to Khaki program sets a new higher level of pride within me just knowing I am a part of a company doing great things.
With all that said, thank you to all our Veterans who have ever worn the uniform and signed on that dotted line to serve and sacrifice even if it's with their own lives for our freedoms. I hope you always feel the appreciation from a very grateful Nation!
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| Picture courtesy of http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/poster/vetsday07.jpg |
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
When you take advantage of a teaching opportunity... Priceless
One of our neighbors from our old neighborhood reached out to me asking if I knew any specific Troops that her son's 6th grade class could send care packages to. I started doing some checking and got some names and addresses for her.
She took her son shopping last night and she found the perfect way to take this kind act and turn it into a learning experience for her son.
Most of us adults don't really comprehend how much our Troops need the simple things we take for granted while deployed. Things like washing machines and dryers aren't there for their convenience and depending on where they are located they may not even have showers and if they do have showers, most don't have hot water. If most of us adults aren't aware, how would we expect our children to know unless someone teaches them.
I love how our friend was able to take this simple act of kindness and turn it into a very teachable moment and not only did it teach her son how little our troops have when they deploy, but I believe it taught him compassion, understanding, and gratitude. One small example of how she showed him what he was doing was so important is when she had the chance to explain how important a container of powder is to them. He couldn't figure it out so she explained that they put it in their boots and on places that get rubbed raw. It made it more real for him. She then explained to him that they will appreciate getting things they desperately need or would just like to have to remind them of home from someone other than their families would mean so much to them and she is correct. Chad even said once how touched he was when a group from a church sent him a care package and wrote notes to him and they didn't even know him. It truly does touch their hearts that total strangers will take their time and money and do something for them when many times I fear they think we have forgotten about them.
They know their families aren't forgetting about them, but when someone outside their family, especially children, are thinking about them and thanking them for what they are doing I believe it gives them a little boost of moral that they need when they are so disconnected from the real world.
His mom said it gave the two of them a change to talk about what they miss out on and why they need the things on the list they were given. While just seeing the list and purchasing them on her way home may have seemed easier for her to do, she decided to take him along and use this as a teaching opportunity for him. So for "Jacob" and his mom, thank you and hopefully this will inspire more parents to get their kids out there and get them involved with sending care packages to our Troops.
With the holidays coming up these young men and women are away from home and families (some for the first time ever) so image how it will warm their hearts to receive care packages from people all over the U.S. Knowing we are still supporting them and not forgetting that they are still over there fighting a very real war. It couldn't have been better timing for all this to happen with November being Military Appreciation month and Veterans' Day coming up as well as the Marine Corps birthday. I'm proud to have had them as neighbors and still have them as friends.
If you ever doubted if your efforts were appreciated, this last picture says enough... Thank you to all who give and send care packages and a very special thank you to our Troops home and abroad for your service and sacrifice and for all past, present, and future. WE ARE A GRATEFUL NATION!
She took her son shopping last night and she found the perfect way to take this kind act and turn it into a learning experience for her son.
Most of us adults don't really comprehend how much our Troops need the simple things we take for granted while deployed. Things like washing machines and dryers aren't there for their convenience and depending on where they are located they may not even have showers and if they do have showers, most don't have hot water. If most of us adults aren't aware, how would we expect our children to know unless someone teaches them.
I love how our friend was able to take this simple act of kindness and turn it into a very teachable moment and not only did it teach her son how little our troops have when they deploy, but I believe it taught him compassion, understanding, and gratitude. One small example of how she showed him what he was doing was so important is when she had the chance to explain how important a container of powder is to them. He couldn't figure it out so she explained that they put it in their boots and on places that get rubbed raw. It made it more real for him. She then explained to him that they will appreciate getting things they desperately need or would just like to have to remind them of home from someone other than their families would mean so much to them and she is correct. Chad even said once how touched he was when a group from a church sent him a care package and wrote notes to him and they didn't even know him. It truly does touch their hearts that total strangers will take their time and money and do something for them when many times I fear they think we have forgotten about them.
They know their families aren't forgetting about them, but when someone outside their family, especially children, are thinking about them and thanking them for what they are doing I believe it gives them a little boost of moral that they need when they are so disconnected from the real world.
His mom said it gave the two of them a change to talk about what they miss out on and why they need the things on the list they were given. While just seeing the list and purchasing them on her way home may have seemed easier for her to do, she decided to take him along and use this as a teaching opportunity for him. So for "Jacob" and his mom, thank you and hopefully this will inspire more parents to get their kids out there and get them involved with sending care packages to our Troops.
With the holidays coming up these young men and women are away from home and families (some for the first time ever) so image how it will warm their hearts to receive care packages from people all over the U.S. Knowing we are still supporting them and not forgetting that they are still over there fighting a very real war. It couldn't have been better timing for all this to happen with November being Military Appreciation month and Veterans' Day coming up as well as the Marine Corps birthday. I'm proud to have had them as neighbors and still have them as friends.
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| Picture courtesy of www.rrdailyherald.com |
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| Picture courtesy of www.operationcarepackages.org |
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| Picture courtesy of theshoppingmama.com |
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| Picture courtesy of www.takepart.com |
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| Picture courtesy of brooklyncupcake.wordpress.com |
If you ever doubted if your efforts were appreciated, this last picture says enough... Thank you to all who give and send care packages and a very special thank you to our Troops home and abroad for your service and sacrifice and for all past, present, and future. WE ARE A GRATEFUL NATION!
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