DH and I went to Walter Reed a month ago for a follow-up appointment and we met an awesome soldier and his dad. Evan was wounded in Iraq in January 2007. He’s been in and out of WR for the last year. He was due to have surgery 2 days after we were there.
DH and Evan hit it off quickly – sharing war stories, showing scars from their wounds, talking about how they were wounded, etc. After a few minutes I left them to talk soldier-to-soldier. But I didn’t go far…
Evan’s father was quietly sitting in the room addressing Christmas cards. I walked over to him, introduced myself and asked, "So, how are YOU doing?" "Fine" he replies. Uh… yeah. I could hear in his voice he wasn’t necessarily "fine" and I, too, have answered with that word numerous times when what I really wanted to say was, "My husband is in the hospital and in pain and I’m exhausted and I can’t make him ‘all better’ and I’m away from my kids and I’m really, really sick of cafeteria food!!!"
As we continued to share our own "family member" experiences and words of wisdom, we made this connection that is difficult to describe. Sometimes we didn’t even respond to one another with words… we would nod or have a "look" on our face that said, "Yeah. I know what you mean." I think we talked about 45 minutes and it was a neat experience for me.
Another thing I noticed was a laptop in the room. Not just any laptop, but a Project Valour-IT laptop (which is very near and dear to me). Evan’s father said the laptop was a "Godsend" when Evan was first wounded. His hands had been pretty messed up and he used the voice-activated software to e-mail his buddies who were still deployed. And, Evan was able to take some leave and return to his duty station to see his unit come home. Amazing.
It’s not too often that I have the opportunity to talk with family
members of wounded troops. Most of the attention goes to the wounded
(as it should be), but I think we (the general population) tend to
forget who else is affected by a troop being wounded.
About Joan D'Arc
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That's a great story, and I totally agree with you that the families are often left out. And, as you know all too well, they walk the journey right alongside the injured service member.
What a wonderful post. You're right, I think we forget to recognize the courage and valor of the wounded soldiers loved ones. I wish there was more we could do for these spouses and parents of the injured. If there is something we could be doing, please let me know. I know a large group of women where I live would be more than willing to help in some way. We live near Cleveland so any ideas you have would be great.
It's not too often that I have the opportunity to talk with family members of wounded troops. Most of the attention goes to the wounded (as it should be), but I think we (the general population) tend to forget who else is affected by a troop being wounded.
That's a great point, Joan, but I think you under-estimate yourself. When we were at WR last May, I was struck by your interactions with your fellow military wives. It was quite obvious you fell easily into the role of mentoring and supporting them, and I remember thinking how proud I was to know you.
If we truly want to Support the Healing Hero and their Family; we need to be involved on a legislative level. Everyone needs to be informed about Veteran related legislation. We need to watch where the funds that are budgeted are being dispersed from our Tax $s. Americans need to pressure Washington, the very same individuals that been elected to represent us to fund programs for our Troops, their Families and Veterans! Freedom here has a price and we need to provide for those whom are securing our very Safety and security! Be informed about those running for office..VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!! Encourage capable enthusiastic Veterans to run for office! We need to start pushing the envelope! Money is what it takes to fuel Programs, Benefits and Services! Get involved and read as much as you can, but be mindful: "It is the VOTING record of those entrusted in DC that is the real eye opener!
What can be said, the Monday morning quarterbacks, should and must leave the tactical decision making to those whom manage the finite details of the overall mission. YES multiple and long tours have been a strain for those who serve. We here at home will never know the challenges they face day in and day out! My hats off to ALL of them for being apart of the Military and their families for their steadfast resolve and support! God Bless our Brave Men & Women as they, finish the job they have been requested to perform! We as Americans owe this fine generation every shred of RESPECT for All they have overcome as Service Personnel! We as Americans need to make sure Washington provides adequate funding for the programs and services they have earned and deserve! It takes cold hard cash to fuel the programs to Help our Healing Heroes and run the programs their families depend on. Washington WAKE UP, and DO the Right thing. VA get it together, clean the House and provide the best these Veterans NEED!
Be mindful of whom you elect: This may one day be the fate of Americans! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4u5x9XAsAs
A Short course in brain surgery! NO Laughing Matter!!! Could this be our future with certain representatives calling the shots* No Pun intended regarding our Health, Care, and choices or lack there of? Will our own control over our health options and timeliness there of; be in jeopardy? We must take this seriously…………………………
God Bless Our Troops, Our Veterans, Our World Leaders, & America!
Respectfully,
Christina Finn
Founder / Coordinator
Patriotic Pillow Project SM
"I have learned that in order to bring about change, you must not be
afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try. Each
and everyone of us can make a difference." Rosa Parks