1. I am alive and survived the 5th year after the death of my late husband!

2. I have a beautiful daughter who has a loving hubby who both have a beautiful daughter (my first Granddaughter) born this year!

3. I have parents who will share a 50th Wedding Anniversary this year!

4. I have two adoring cats -- Gibson and Moobaby!

5. I have a loving family, although I do wish I could see them more often!

6. I have caring friends who aren't all into football!

7. I love my advocacy work that I do, although (of course) I would wish that it would pay better!

8. I am grateful that I don't have significant health problems that would impair my dexterity or sight or hearing abilities.

9. I am grateful that when I walk into a dining room, I am not feeling that I am walking to a whole new world!

10. I am grateful that when I look into the mirror, I am not seeing anyone other than myself!

What are you thankful for today????

Being Grateful for the Gift of Today

"When you learn how to remain grateful every day you are developing a habit of happiness in your life. There is no such thing as an ordinary day. Every one of your days is a gift from God that is unique and irreplaceable. When you train your mind to see the good and discipline yourself to focus on the positive you'll be happier, rise higher, and live the life of victory that God has in store for you."

~Joel Olsteen

Summer has been eventful for me.....

1. Biotechnology Program -- I attended ACC's fasttrack program this summer. A very intense program whereby we had 5-1/2 weeks of classes for 3 full days each week, then later had 5-1/2 weeks of nearly 40 hrs/wk internship at many Biotech type locations. Mine was held at the Texas Department of Health. It was an invaluable learning experience and I would love to consider it for a career option; however, the market for Biotech personnel, on the whole in this area, require a degree in Science already. My degree is in Criminal Justice, but they would prefer a degree with more of a forensic approach to it, if in Criminal Justice. Therefore, I am looking to attend in the Spring, perhaps, if I get a Scholarship to do so.

2. Granddaughter -- This summer my granddaughter was born. She is absolutely beautiful and growing slowly but surely. Well, that isn't exactly true as she is outside of the growth percentile range, but weight/height proportional. They are thinking that she may end up being very tall.

3. Still working in the crisis field. I am enjoying it and may continue to make it my career option -- if only the money was better!

4. Took a bit of time this summer for a short retreat to reflect upon the summer events and assess where I should be moving forward in my life. Still not sure about the whereto, but really enjoyed the retreat time to enjoy some much needed R&R. (The picture above is one of many pictures I took during my retreat.)

Other than that, not much else happening. Still involved in my Red Hat Society group and planning activities to keep myself active -- Church, bowling, reading books, blogging, etc. Would love to hear from you all to see what you have been doing this summer, as what your current aspirations might be. :)

 

Unfortunately, this is nothing new.  In fact, this has been going on for quite some time with war after war after war.  Whether or not it was "right" to be in the war in the first place is a moot question and one that isn't going to change the fact that many of these soldier's lives have significantly altered.  As an advocate I receive many calls from spouses of military soldiers who are suffering the symptoms of PTSD.  What I often advise them is that, if there is a question of safety, then one must leave until the person suffering actually gets the help that they need.

How long?  How long will it take them to recover from their PTSD symptoms is not something that I can answer in one fell swoop; just as everyone is unique in their own way, everyone handles grief and recovery from any form of mental illness.  One resource I often refer them to is NAMI (the National Alliance for Mental Illness) because they have a strong network of support groups, caring information seminars, and advocacy for both the person suffering any form of mental illness, as well as their caretakers and support network.

What I suppose has to be another question to is what programs does the military have set up to deprogram these soldiers to get them back into the realm of the society without the constant fears and paranoias associated with the PTSDs?  Why is not the military taking a greater role in pushing for the recovery of the soldiers with PTSDs?

Why ask why?  Well, why not?  After all, if the government is going to encourage participation in the wars, would they not want to ensure the safety of the soldiers in their ability to mesh with society once again (where violence and killing people is frowned upon)???

 

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1 in 8 returning soldiers suffers from PTSD - Mental Health - MSNBC.com