tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72645912408170364282024-03-13T16:42:06.052-05:00Living With War-Related Illness and InjuryIn many cases when soldiers return home, life does not get back to normal. Instead, we must learn to live with, and adapt to, a new normal.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-15002561060552494252014-01-04T19:49:00.001-06:002014-01-04T19:49:08.395-06:00We've Moved!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eCm1Bh2wMs/Usiv71ftBbI/AAAAAAAABwM/PbzXvid3SF4/s1600/Fotolia_59188713_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eCm1Bh2wMs/Usiv71ftBbI/AAAAAAAABwM/PbzXvid3SF4/s320/Fotolia_59188713_XS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>We've moved! </b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Please visit our new site <a href="http://bringingthebattlehome.com/">Bringing the Battle Home</a> (<a href="http://bringingthebattlehome.com/" style="text-align: center;">http://bringingthebattlehome.com/</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Be sure to follow our blog and check out our Facebook Page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bringingthebattlehome">https://www.facebook.com/bringingthebattlehome</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-20150486348082091642012-12-30T20:00:00.000-06:002014-01-04T19:49:30.413-06:00Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkPBbRh5kSo/UM9BOIXIViI/AAAAAAAABlA/N70qMdnFbEg/s1600/232323232%257Ffp43449-nu%253D3237-635-258-WSNRCG%253D35444898%253B%253B324nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XkPBbRh5kSo/UM9BOIXIViI/AAAAAAAABlA/N70qMdnFbEg/s320/232323232%257Ffp43449-nu%253D3237-635-258-WSNRCG%253D35444898%253B%253B324nu0mrj.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January. . . kinda boring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiyetJmUbOE/UM9C7QLGAeI/AAAAAAAABmA/eveF40FFAms/s1600/202183160-11202042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiyetJmUbOE/UM9C7QLGAeI/AAAAAAAABmA/eveF40FFAms/s320/202183160-11202042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February. . . Purple Heart Ceremony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThfwXueyaH8/UM9Cx5yKevI/AAAAAAAABl4/8zZ3fJjPF1c/s1600/DSCN3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThfwXueyaH8/UM9Cx5yKevI/AAAAAAAABl4/8zZ3fJjPF1c/s320/DSCN3766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March. . . San Francisco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciegGwqOTu4/UM9FECUbdtI/AAAAAAAABmw/ttUiDYOUghM/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciegGwqOTu4/UM9FECUbdtI/AAAAAAAABmw/ttUiDYOUghM/s320/IMG_0724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April. . . Chili and Delilah became friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRpHtJOcD6I/UM9EUd-ZvdI/AAAAAAAABmY/jBmSTMTsQXE/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRpHtJOcD6I/UM9EUd-ZvdI/AAAAAAAABmY/jBmSTMTsQXE/s320/IMG_0930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May. . . Graduation from VA Palo Alto <a href="http://www.paloalto.va.gov/wbrc/neurological.asp">CNVR</a> Program</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciegGwqOTu4/UM9FECUbdtI/AAAAAAAABmw/ttUiDYOUghM/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LA14wwDsn0/UM9ElSry5OI/AAAAAAAABmg/4xPI79g90no/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LA14wwDsn0/UM9ElSry5OI/AAAAAAAABmg/4xPI79g90no/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June. . . WWP Writer's Workshop in NYC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOZcz4xV7YM/UM9EJnIVbqI/AAAAAAAABmQ/r6MwfulRkNM/s1600/DSC_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOZcz4xV7YM/UM9EJnIVbqI/AAAAAAAABmQ/r6MwfulRkNM/s320/DSC_0601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">July. . . Horses for Heroes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJOE5lWTooA/UM9D06yxX9I/AAAAAAAABmI/vmrmC6ARFD8/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJOE5lWTooA/UM9D06yxX9I/AAAAAAAABmI/vmrmC6ARFD8/s320/DSC_0650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August. . . BVA Conventon in Galveston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb8LU3N0iR4/UM9BYlPH1AI/AAAAAAAABlQ/WnlAtG2lB0A/s1600/Cole0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb8LU3N0iR4/UM9BYlPH1AI/AAAAAAAABlQ/WnlAtG2lB0A/s320/Cole0003.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September. . . new guide dog, Cole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPfjCdiKUV0/UM9B-bitH9I/AAAAAAAABlg/vqhcBWaLZTY/s1600/IMG_2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPfjCdiKUV0/UM9B-bitH9I/AAAAAAAABlg/vqhcBWaLZTY/s320/IMG_2329.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October. . . Dole Fellows in DC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTG8-c5A758/UM9Bw2zyzKI/AAAAAAAABlY/uD49CFWUcT0/s1600/DSC_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTG8-c5A758/UM9Bw2zyzKI/AAAAAAAABlY/uD49CFWUcT0/s320/DSC_0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November. . . wreath ceremony Veterans Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0gCAL-akss/UM9GWaBGhJI/AAAAAAAABm4/jZkKpm3_bww/s1600/DSC_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0gCAL-akss/UM9GWaBGhJI/AAAAAAAABm4/jZkKpm3_bww/s320/DSC_0772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December. . . Cole's 1st SD snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_1408319424"></span><span id="goog_1408319425"></span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-90201350789066969612012-12-24T16:00:00.000-06:002012-12-24T16:00:00.104-06:00Camouflage and Christmas LightsFor all our troops deployed, and for all those who wait for their return. Our prayers are with you all.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6p7HtoYlwY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo7fQHGXDYM</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-32408718010727119652012-12-20T23:05:00.001-06:002012-12-20T23:05:12.889-06:00Deep Breath. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZWwGQCGc_Q/UNJ1MyZEIWI/AAAAAAAABnk/KqHAnPEqm4U/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZWwGQCGc_Q/UNJ1MyZEIWI/AAAAAAAABnk/KqHAnPEqm4U/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black. ~Charlie Brown</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a deep cleansing breath. . . slowly exhale while counting to five. . . here goes nothing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been thinking since the CBS piece was released that if we are truly going to give a "face" and "voice" to caregiver mental health that perhaps we need to start openly sharing what it looks like inside our heads and bodies. Bring a flashlight, it's dark in there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why not hang my mental health issues on the clothesline for all to see? It's time to start addressing what I see in me, my children, and the community of caregivers I serve. If we're going to give our fellow caregivers a voice, we have to first be that voice in the world, and until we are ready to do so, we have no business talking about it. Please realize as you read this that I am baring heart and soul not only to the reading audience, but also to my children, our families and friends, my spouse. . . who knows I'm crazy but does not always know the depths.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been medicated for depression and anxiety for years. Long before my husband was injured or I became his caregiver. I'm not new to this, but never has it been as bad as in the past few years. Perhaps you've seen the Cymbalta commercial that says, "depression hurts." Boy, does it ever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If not for the external pressure to appear in the world every day, I might just stay in bed. Ok, that's not entirely true. I always get out of bed. In fact, I haven't had a good night's sleep in years. Each night we battle Sean's nightmares, sweats, pain, insomnia, snoring, and constant kicking due to Restless Leg Syndrome. Add to that my own fatigue, insomnia, and crazy dreams. A few years ago my doctor prescribed several different sleep medications. While most of them helped me fall asleep, none of them could keep me asleep. A very low dose of Seroquel was the only medication that would help me sleep through the night, but I spent every day like a zombie and we had issues with a child sneaking out at night because I couldn't hear her. Plus, when Sean needed me or was having a nightmare I was unable to help him. I try to nap, but usually something disrupts me or I don't feel like I have gotten enough rest when I wake. I normally sleep for two hours at a time, some nights I get up after the first two hours because there is no falling back to sleep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have vivid claustrophobic dreams where I am climbing stairs or ladders and the walls start to close in on me, or I need to climb through incredibly small openings and mazes. The dreams started after several traumatic incidents occurred during Junior High. They are triggered by stress in my life and I wake up in a panic. If I feel trapped or cornered, if I am in a small space, or if Sean tries to hug me at the wrong time, it sets off feelings of panic and need to escape NOW. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are days when I cry uncontrollably for no apparent reason. No matter what I do, my emotions come spilling out and make a huge mess. I am much better at repressing my feelings. Avoiding. Pretending. Eating my feelings. Just sit and not do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In contrast, I have developed several OCD tendencies and my mind will not rest while that piece of fuzz is on the floor, the glass is on the counter, or the sink needs to be wiped out. I clean. Then I clean. And I clean up after that. I make lists. I check them off. I make more lists. I make lists that include the words, "check other to do lists." I cannot stop my brain from rehashing what I need to do. I vacuum and think about when I will need to do it again. I go into the bathroom to make sure it is still clean. Toothpaste in the sink? My heart races and I start to sweat. I *just* cleaned that sink! I know it's irrational. I can't stop it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Driving has become horribly difficult for me. My driving anxiety started while Sean was in Iraq after I encountered several mishaps on the road and drove through lots of nasty weather. In the years following my anxiety has gotten worse. The day before we must be on the road I start to think of excuses not to go. I wish for something else to come up. I secretly hope one of us gets sick. Driving causes me not only stress and tension, but results in anxious itches, headaches, and extremely heightened sensory sensitivity. I can feel the seams in my clothes. A lose v-neck shirt makes me feel like I'm choking. My toes go numb. I get a twitch in my back. My heart races and my mind rushes. I fight the urge to throw up. When we arrive at our destination I am completely exhausted and my body aches.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While waiting to board a plane this summer, my body had had enough. People, noise, exhaustion, sensory overload. As we boarded the plane and sat in the very front row, I broke down. I started crying uncontrollably. Everyone could see me. My daughter tried to calm me, but her touch only made me bristle. I couldn't get to my anxiety meds. I was shaking and sweating and my skin was on fire. I felt trapped and frightfully exposed as every person boarding that plane walked by. I wanted off the plane. Just off. I ran through scenarios in which they would have to let me out. Sean finally asked the flight attendant for a tissue and she returned with a stack of rough airline napkins. Upon reaching our destination we had to get into the car and make a six hour drive home. I threw up on the curb before getting into the car. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A trip to buy groceries now brings me to the brink of panic. It starts in the parking lot. I am instantly crabby when searching for a parking space. I curse at people in my way or holding up the line. Once inside, I start to sweat. My chest gets "fluttery" and I feel lightheaded. I snap at those with me. I want out. One day there was a random beeping noise coming from the electronics department. It persisted throughout my shopping and seemed to get louder. By the time I reached the check-out lane I was feeling highly agitated. There was person in front of me and suddenly a lady came up right behind me. She was very close and I was trapped. I have never had that feeling before. I felt like I would not make it out of the store. I could not use my self-talk to logically explain to my body that this was a physical reaction to a stressful situation. My mind was racing and it felt as if my heart would come out of my chest. I kept looking around for a way out of that line. It did not occur to me to ask her to move or let me out of the lane. My breathing was very heavy and I left the store breathless and uncertain exactly what had happened. I talked on the phone with a friend until I was calm enough to drive home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I have grown weary of my waitress face. That fake smile, pretending that everything is fine. Trying to radiate the joy and strength that I do not feel while wanting to vomit, cry, or simply crumple to the ground. When faced with social situations I go into teacher mode. I smile, talk, and meet all the required social norms. When the pressure is too great, I retreat into my phone so I can tune out my surroundings. Although we had many exciting travel opportunities this year where we could appear relaxed, the reality is the majority of those interactions were painful. I made sure we took the appropriate smiling pictures so we can remember the happy times from the past year. Inside I never felt fully relaxed or happy. It takes constant energy to appear normal. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My online support groups have made it easy to hide. I don't have to be real. It's quite easy to "smile," and "heart," everything. While I care deeply about my fellow caregivers, it's all too easy to send (((hugs))) and pretend that my life is fine. Fine, fine, fine. There are no crazy irrationalities, paranoia, guilt, or anxiety. I can appear normal, while inside I am frantically waving my hand and screaming. Please hear me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My doctor and I have discussed the physical manifestations of my depression, anxiety, and stress. Besides the dreams and panic attacks, I have memory issues, difficulty concentrating, nervous twitches in my eyelid and back, physical pain in my joints, migraine headaches, GERD, and most recently a fun batch of cold sores. She told me to reduce the amount of stress in my life. The problem is, I am now having problems even when things around me are calm and secure. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Since I am a certified caregiver through the VA's Caregiver Program I qualify for mental health services. Last month I started with a new therapist. We talked about a variety of coping skills including mindfulness, deep breathing, and visualization. It was hard not to roll my eyes. In the past seven years every member of our family has been in therapy at some point. We have literally been there, done that with every technique under the sun. However, I want help, so I agreed to keep an open mind and see if I can learn from her. I want an instruction manual. I want a road map. What I get is 50 minutes to get worked up and emotional and then be sent on my merry way for a month to cope on my own. It does not feel like the help I need. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div>
As I sat crying through this month's session we talked about the two issues she feels are causing me major pain. The past seven years have held overwhelming losses: the rejection by "friends," our careers and associated relationships, our relationship (as it was), children (grown up), sense of community, and my father's death. I am also not finding fulfillment in my life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(The following is in no way intended as an insult to Sean and as always he is fully aware of what I am writing.) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every aspect of my current life is directly related to Sean. I left my career to become his caregiver. Without a job or children at home it has become how I identify myself. "What do you do?" "I stay home with my husband as his caregiver." To combat that loss of myself I signed up as a volunteer with Family Of a Vet. Even my volunteer work revolves around being a caregiver. My social outlets are with members of the military and their families. We define ourselves by our occupations. Without one, who am I?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am tired of being a Wounded Warrior Wife or WWW. I am tired of being a caregiver. I am tired of it infiltrating every corner of my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mental health issues are invisible wounds of war, too. I'm paying in a different way for his service. It is taking a toll on my physical, mental, and spiritual health as well as his. It's impossible to stick a hand up and say, "I need." But I do need, and even though he needs more, I need, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mI0n01X5ASE/UNJ1OlHO29I/AAAAAAAABns/BZh4UbpCiRs/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mI0n01X5ASE/UNJ1OlHO29I/AAAAAAAABns/BZh4UbpCiRs/s1600/images+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><!--3-->Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-49800006133399271142012-12-14T08:52:00.002-06:002012-12-14T08:52:23.194-06:00"New Normal"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have you heard the term "new normal" lately? It's been bouncing around for a few years and is used to describe the adjustments veterans and families go through when they return home from war. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have you ever wondered what it looks like? My husband has a closed head injury (TBI), PTSD, and is legally blind. Honestly, if you meet him all you will notice is the dark glasses and cane or guide dog. He will most likely be pleasant and friendly. He can carry on a conversation. He will behave in a socially appropriate manner. He will leave you wondering if there is really anything wrong with him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFyxQMU1QYo/UMs1RZcAvdI/AAAAAAAABkY/wQyx6NmYTkQ/s1600/Preview114_114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFyxQMU1QYo/UMs1RZcAvdI/AAAAAAAABkY/wQyx6NmYTkQ/s320/Preview114_114.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzxASKJ4YG4/UMs2hoqTXbI/AAAAAAAABkg/6FBpQ_meuMc/s1600/100_3865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzxASKJ4YG4/UMs2hoqTXbI/AAAAAAAABkg/6FBpQ_meuMc/s320/100_3865.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some things you will not know about him after meeting him:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">rarely gets a full night sleep due to nightmares, night sweats, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and pain</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">never has a day without a headache (ranges from 2 or 3 on a "normal" day to 6-9 on bad days) and frequently gets migraines</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">never has a day without "undiagnosable" abdominal pain (doctors scratching heads)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">has frequent flares of stabbing eye pain</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">does not see well in bright light or dark settings, sees better without his glasses at times</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">avoids crowds, but is able to "get though" when necessary</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">has been through blind rehab, TBI/vision rehab, and PTSD inpatient treatment for 10 weeks each </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">has poor short-term memory--knows his Army regs and Fire Department protocols, but will stand for hours in the toothpaste aisle because he does not know which brand he buys and the number of choices are overwhelming</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">will likely forget part or all of the conversation he had with you</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is considered a quiet man because when he gets confused he just stops talking and hopes no one notices</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is quick to anger, quick to forget</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">never feels completely safe</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">has gone though periods of isolation where he hides in the basement and periods where we must always be in the same room</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he gets extremely depressed, feels worthless</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">has considered suicide more than one time; homicide as well</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Does this look "normal" to you? Thirteen different medications to keep him stable and doing as well as he is, to enhance his quality of life.</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmAgkTusAnc/T-p1brLTadI/AAAAAAAABTg/9tdsIYAe2sU/s1600/DSC_0036-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CmAgkTusAnc/T-p1brLTadI/AAAAAAAABTg/9tdsIYAe2sU/s320/DSC_0036-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VK3ZirZWiQQ/T-p0PnbQw0I/AAAAAAAABS4/VUyiBup93Fo/s1600/DSC_0009+(2)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VK3ZirZWiQQ/T-p0PnbQw0I/AAAAAAAABS4/VUyiBup93Fo/s320/DSC_0009+(2)-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recently </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">copied 365 pages of medical records (from the inpatient program this spring) and paid $19 to mail them to the Army so they would have a set for the new MEB (medical evaluation board). Two and a half years after we testified about Seamless Transition and there is still no electronic record sharing in place nationwide between the VA and the DoD. We started the MEB over in May and have finally been assigned a temporary PEBLO (casemanager) six months later. It's been five years and we are starting over. The man is legally blind, cannot fire a weapon, yet is attached to an ammunition unit and can't get his MEB completed in a timely manner. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Interestingly, I also had to copy these same records and deliver to the VA in Sioux Falls because they could not access all of his records within their own system. That's called progress, folks.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkVeu4hGlkU/T-pwGYZtAhI/AAAAAAAABSk/WxZIItnO13A/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkVeu4hGlkU/T-pwGYZtAhI/AAAAAAAABSk/WxZIItnO13A/s320/IMG_1099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The worst of it? Learning to deal with the silence when we are in the same room. The lack of interaction, conversation, the isolation and detachment. The lingering loneliness. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We have learned to say "new normal" like it's some shiny banner proclaiming we are making the best of it and moving forward. One step forward and two steps back.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";">He came home, but he didn't come back. No war is ever over.</span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-70417378868248521202012-12-14T07:42:00.001-06:002012-12-14T07:42:12.942-06:00Operation Opening DoorsWe have received the most amazing, incredible, extraordinary, unbelieveable blessing!! <a href="http://www.sdbuildingchapter.org/Operation_Opening">Operation Opening Doors</a> of South Dakota, in partnership with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Associated General Contractors South Dakota Building Chapter and <a href="http://www.jdhconstruction.biz/">JDH Construction</a>, has chosen our home for a remodel! This remodel will make our home more accessible and safe for Sean and will incorporate features to assist him in his day to day living. We are THRILLED to be a part of this magnificent project!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGo6DwaJ1o8/UMspyp6G7WI/AAAAAAAABjw/ZCcctcD4kS4/s1600/DSC_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGo6DwaJ1o8/UMspyp6G7WI/AAAAAAAABjw/ZCcctcD4kS4/s320/DSC_0862.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broke gound October 30th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDlL6_rKdzc/UMsp0f-ZQ6I/AAAAAAAABj4/5UeIU4niPvk/s1600/IMG_2918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDlL6_rKdzc/UMsp0f-ZQ6I/AAAAAAAABj4/5UeIU4niPvk/s320/IMG_2918.JPG" width="239" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Follow the links to learn more.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://news.agc.org/2012/08/16/operation-opening-doors-kicks-off-eighth-project-in-south-dakota/">Operation Opening Doors Kicks off Eighth Project in South Dakota</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-Opening-Doors-of-South-Dakota-Inc/258849090901944?ref=ts&fref=ts">Operation Opening Doors--Project Page on Facebook</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/aan-contractors-lending-a-hand-to-veterans-20120919,0,6862856.story">Contractors Lending a Hand to Veterans</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/aan-group-working-to-modify-disabled-vets-home-in-aberdeen-20120925,0,5130706.story">Group working to modify disabled vet's home in Aberdeen</a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -37.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="color: #292727; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Scott Waltman</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">After a career of serving his community and his country, it's now
Sean Johnson's turn to be served.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Johnson used to work for Aberdeen Fire and Rescue and spent
23 years in the<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">U.S. Army </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reserve's Aberdeen-based 452nd Ordnance Co. In
March 2006, while he was deployed in </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Iraq</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">, a mortar shell exploded next to him. The blast
resulted in a traumatic brain injury that ultimately left Johnson blind. Now, a
group called Operation Opening Doors is raising money to renovate Johnson's
home in Aberdeen to make it easier for him to get around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Operation Opening Doors is a nonprofit arm of the Associated
General Contractors South Dakota Building Chapter that focuses on renovating or
building new homes for veterans who were disabled while serving in Iraq
or </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Afghanistan</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">. Johnson's house is the group's eighth project
in the state and its first in Aberdeen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Plans call for work on Johnson's house to begin yet this
fall. The project will cost an estimated $106,000 with that total including
donated time, equipment and materials, said Michelle Lounsbery, executive
director of the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota Building
Chapter. She said that more than $30,000 has already been raised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">During a kickoff program for the project Tuesday night at
the Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Johnson said he and his wife, Melissa, are
grateful and humble by the community support. Having a home that's more
accessible will he helpful, he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Earlier this year, Johnson was awarded the Purple Heart at a
ceremony in Aberdeen.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Lounsbery said a new, larger bathroom with a walk-in shower
and other features will be built in an addition to the home. And, she said, the
area in the existing home that is now the bathroom and bedroom area will be
converted into an expanded, larger bedroom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Les Cummings of Sioux Falls is the retired state command
sergeant major of the South Dakota </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Army National Guard</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">. He founded Operation Opening Doors about a
decade ago. He said the program went broke in trying to do its first couple of
home improvement projects. That's when it partnered with the Associated General
Contractors of South Dakota, he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">More recently, Operation Opening Doors has teamed up with
the Associated General Contractors of America, Cummings said. Together, they
have built new homes for or made improvements to the homes of 27 Iraq and
Afghanistan veterans who have disabilities, he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">JDH Construction of Aberdeen is the lead contractor on the
Johnson project. But subcontractors willing to do anything from work on
cupboards to putting in plumbing are still needed, Cummings said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He said he and Johnson have known each other for years. When
they were visiting at a veterans hunt, Cummings said Johnson noted that it
would be helpful if he had more room in his home's bathroom and bedroom. That's
how the project got on Operation Opening Doors' radar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">"It's amazing to watch the tears flow down a family's
face when you go to them and say we are willing to support you and thank you
for your service," Cummings said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Donations to the Operation Opening Doors Aberdeen project to
renovate the Johnsons' home can be dropped off at or mailed to Plains Commerce
Bank; 524 S. Dakota St.; Aberdeen, SD 57401.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Copyright © 2012,
Aberdeen News</span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-55775759387767463952012-12-14T07:02:00.001-06:002012-12-14T07:02:01.393-06:00Veterans Day 2012In November Sean was honored to be invited by the <a href="http://www.bva.org/">Blinded Veterans Association</a> to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at <a href="http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/">Arlington National Cemetery</a> on Veterans Day. Following speeches in the <a href="http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/Amphitheater.aspx">Memorial Amphitheater</a> by Erik Shinseki, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and President Obama, Sean, along with National BVA Director Al Avina and National President Sam Huhn, presented a wreath at <a href="http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/TombofUnknowns.aspx">The Tomb of the Unknowns</a>. For more information on the ceremony, please read <a href="http://www.bva.org/news/?p=392">Honoring All Veterans</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7p164AHJ1vg/UMsiBqPYchI/AAAAAAAABjA/uLk6NCD97cM/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7p164AHJ1vg/UMsiBqPYchI/AAAAAAAABjA/uLk6NCD97cM/s320/IMG_3012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We traveled to DC with my parents, Jim and Linda Cameron, who had never been to our nation's capitol. We had the pleasure of exploring familiar monuments and attractions with new eyes. We visited the US Capitol, The National Mall, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Ford's Theater, and Mount Vernon. Also on his first trip to DC was Sean's new guide dog, Cole. We walked so much that poor Cole got a small tear on his pad and had to wear his doggie booties the last two days. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mho_2x507Bk/UMsiOVTLgbI/AAAAAAAABjI/dnzcH9lnR_U/s1600/DC+November.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mho_2x507Bk/UMsiOVTLgbI/AAAAAAAABjI/dnzcH9lnR_U/s400/DC+November.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-30042317053436623192012-12-14T05:49:00.001-06:002012-12-14T05:49:20.929-06:00Elizabeth Dole Foundation FellowsThe BEST and most EXCITING thing to happen to me in 2012 was being selected as a Dole Caregiver Fellow as part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. The mission of the Foundation includes providing assistance, raising awareness, and conducting research. More information will be available with the official website launch next year.<br />
<br />
20 caregivers, male and female, from across the nation gathered in Washington, DC the first week of October with a common goal: to be a voice for 1000s of others we work with and support every single day. The whirlwind trip included an overview of the program, video taping our personal stories, meeting with RAND Corporation, and a nightime tour of the city's beautiful monuments with <a href="http://womenincongress.house.gov/member-profiles/profile.html?intID=59">Senator Elizabeth Dole</a>. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
During the <a href="http://www.moaa.org/wfs/">2012 MOAA/NDIA Warrior-Family Symposium</a> Senator Elizabeth Dole introduced a new initiative, Caring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation. When her husband, Sen. Bob Dole, was treated at the then-Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Elizabeth Dole saw firsthand the importance of supporting caregivers of injured servicemembers. The initiative will fund research on the topic and bring together organizations that are already working to resolve issues involving injured servicemembers and their caretakers. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I believe America has not fulfilled her promise to care for our wonded and their caregivers who have sacrificed so much," Dole said. "The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is committed to hope and healing for every single individual who has risked his or her life for our nations. . . Let us take the problems you face into the opportunities you deserve. Only then will it be morning in America again for all of us."</blockquote>
<br />
There are not words for how incredibly blessed and humbled I am to be a member of this outstanding group of men and women. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHRbYSC9F8E/UMsPacOE8PI/AAAAAAAABfQ/zkmUMkxTQwQ/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHRbYSC9F8E/UMsPacOE8PI/AAAAAAAABfQ/zkmUMkxTQwQ/s320/IMG_2275.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Press Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EdyU0I2cA4/UMsPdWUSLJI/AAAAAAAABfY/G5sZmWvAey0/s1600/IMG_2293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EdyU0I2cA4/UMsPdWUSLJI/AAAAAAAABfY/G5sZmWvAey0/s320/IMG_2293.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iwo Jima Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-siPnYYssNeo/UMsPgHQ1h8I/AAAAAAAABfg/6nC2KoU5ufM/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-siPnYYssNeo/UMsPgHQ1h8I/AAAAAAAABfg/6nC2KoU5ufM/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World War 2 Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0qWv9BIxkg/UMsPh6s5JJI/AAAAAAAABfk/ShLLloPtoCE/s1600/IMG_2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0qWv9BIxkg/UMsPh6s5JJI/AAAAAAAABfk/ShLLloPtoCE/s320/IMG_2329.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senator Elizabeth Dole at WWII Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPkLHUNIbm8/UMsPoPQEc6I/AAAAAAAABf0/NwOcnDHTdFk/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPkLHUNIbm8/UMsPoPQEc6I/AAAAAAAABf0/NwOcnDHTdFk/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we mark the price of freedom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3P7CEbm4u98/UMsPp3EczcI/AAAAAAAABf8/fx4CqtuyJek/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3P7CEbm4u98/UMsPp3EczcI/AAAAAAAABf8/fx4CqtuyJek/s320/IMG_2400.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY6rw6yQP1I/UMsPl9d0HsI/AAAAAAAABfs/G_NAe5AXVLg/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jY6rw6yQP1I/UMsPl9d0HsI/AAAAAAAABfs/G_NAe5AXVLg/s320/IMG_2387.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure why they let us that close to the White House ;)<br />Sandra Touchet, Kat Honaker, Me, and Torrey Shannon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-1297059163973931772012-12-14T05:05:00.000-06:002012-12-14T05:05:24.757-06:00Speaking Out, Raising Awareness, Bringing ChangeOctober brought two incredible opportunties my way. First, I was asked to participate in an interview with CBS Evening News for a piece on Secondary PTSD with my dear friends <a href="http://www.familyofavet.com/aboutus.html">Brannan Vines</a>, <a href="http://torreyshannon.com/">Torrey Shannon</a>, and <a href="http://armyreservistwife.blogspot.com/">Kat Honaker</a>. We met up in Washington DC to sit down with Alison Schwartz Dorfman, Executive Producer of CBS Evening News, and discuss the mental health issues facing caregivers of veterans across the nation, specifically Secondary PTSD. You can find the two videos here:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: abril-text;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -1px;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="http://cbsn.ws/XzuKbj">Caregivers of US Veterans Bear Scars of War</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50135002n">Treating Family Members Suffering From PTSD</a><br />
<br />
Let me tell you, it is truly a humbling experience to sit for nearly two hours and explain your mental health issues to complete strangers. The four of us laughed, cried, hugged, and cried again. We worried for weeks until the segments aired about what the world--our friends, our familes, strangers--would think of us. Would they see us as weak and cowardly? Strong? Hopeful? Surely we would be judged. . . The piece was met with overwhelming cheers and thanks for speaking out on a painful, sensitive, and embarrasing issue. At the time I thought perhaps I'd lost my mind, but now I am thankful that I had the courage to stand up and shine a light into the dark corners of our world. <br />
<br />
I also had the opportunity to present at the 2012 <a href="http://www.ausa.org/">Association of the United States Army</a> Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. AUSA's Family Programs provide Army families assistance to manage the challenges of military life. The Miltary Family Forum was designed to bring to light the issues surrounding reintegration following deployement and/or injury. Below you can read an article from Military.com which features my panel. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/10/24/challenges-remain-in-warrior-transition-units.html">Challenges Remain in Warrior Transition Units</a><br />
<br />
<div class="timestamp" style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Oct 24, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="byline" style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://military.com/">Military.com</a><span class="divider">|</span> by
Heather Sweeney and Ward Carroll</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Army wives stepped forward Tuesday at the Association of the U.S. Army’s
annual conference to explain the continued struggle they face in rehabilitating
their spouses injured in war and the challenges that remain working with Warrior
Transition Units.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Army created Warrior Transition Units to assist in making the
wounded warriors’ journey to their “new normal” as smooth and productive as
possible. The Army currently operates 29 WTUs across the
country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“These soldiers all have one mission in common, and that is to heal and
prepare for transition, whether it’s back to the force or civilian life,” said
Army Brig. Gen. David Bishop. “Each soldier is supported by a triad of care.
That includes a primary care manager, a nurse case manager and a squad leader to
work with the soldiers and the families of those soldiers to help manage the
care and support that they receive.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The WTUs have come a long way since the early days of the wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan, but issues remain, Army wives said Tuesday. Melissa Johnson,
wife of Staff Sgt. Sean Johnson, told the attendees about her experiences after
her husband was wounded in Balad, Iraq, in 2005.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Upon his return, Johnson was diagnosed with “medically unexplained
physical symptoms.” No one really knew about those types of
injuries.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Eventually, he was diagnosed with moderate traumatic brain injury and
post traumatic stress disorder. He was also declared legally blind, and fought
depression and anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Johnsons' problems were compounded by the fact they live in a remote
area of South Dakota.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> “We have a VA clinic in town, which has just a couple of providers,”
Melissa Johnson said. “And we have a VA hospital three hours from
us.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She explained that the nearest military facility -- an Air Force base --
was six hours away. The medical board process required that the family make the
drive multiple times. The family has three teenagers, her husband couldn’t
drive, and she was holding down a full-time job.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We had our local unit and they weren’t very supportive,” she said.
“We’re out there; we’re by ourselves. You’re left hanging, partly because they
don’t want to hear what’s happening, partly because they don’t
understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The burden changed her outlook.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We’ve gone from being a wife and a partner to being a caregiver,”
Melissa Johnson said. “All of our kids have stepped into that caregiving role
too.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kim Gadson’s husband, Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, was seriously wounded in
Iraq by a roadside bomb while serving as the battalion commander for the 2nd
Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment. Greg Gadson’s wounds resulted in the
loss of both legs, and he sustained damage to his right arm and
elbow.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The family was forced to relocate from Fort Riley, Kan., to Walter Reed
Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to provide support and assistance as
Gadson recovered from his injury. Gadson has since become the first amputee to
take over a post command.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“As you can imagine, this was a very tough transition for us,” Kim
Gadson told the conference attendees. “Lots of things were happening. Half of
them you wouldn’t believe if I told you. The other half I don’t want you to
know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Both wives eventually sought help from fellow Army families who were
going through similar challenges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We got some help,” Melissa Johnson said. “We had to have a lot of help
from our family and our friends and our Army family.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“The children and I had to learn how to take care of him before we could
leave the hospital,” Kim Gadson said. “We learned lots of things so we could
take our soldier home.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> But all the while, a nagging question lingered: “What if this is it?”
Melissa Johnson mused. “What if he never gets any better than he is
today?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Catherine Mogil of UCLA’s Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS)
program said that reaching out is important for families, and that many families
are fearful of getting help.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> “Families do recover,” Mogil said. “They may not ever go back to the
way it was, but they can move forward.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Success hinges on awareness and communication, she
said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“A lot of spouses don’t know what to look for. They might be given a
checklist, but what does it actually look like in day to day
life?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mogil fears the Army has spent too much time focused on the troops and
not enough on those around them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We need to be thinking about the entire family,” she said. “If I can
get them functioning as a family unit, my servicemember patient is going to do
better as well.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Regardless of the challenges or effort required, Bishop assured the
crowd that the Army supported those who have sacrificed so
much.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We embrace the responsibility to provide the resources necessary to
support and care for our wounded, ill and injured,” he
said.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Reflection (What I wish I had said):</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While I feel I covered many issues (going well over my 13 allotted minutes during my presentation), there were several points that I felt were either missed in the article, or that I did not give enough emphasis during my presentation. </span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">We are in year *5* of the med board process, essentially starting over. When we testifed in 2010 on Seamless Transition we were assured that Sean's case would be wrapped up, yet we're starting over five years later. I felt there was an effort to "breeze over" that fact and call us an "extreme" case. I see these "extreme" cases every single day. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We did not have, and still do not have, adequate support from Sean's unit. We have had a complete lack of support from the military. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> I believe injury and illness gives new definition to an "Army of One."</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">I know *without a doubt* I NEVER said, "Army family." We don't have an Army family here. The one we should have had dropped Sean the moment he was injured and dropped me when I said I was too overwhelmed dealing with his injuries to volunteer for them full time.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Those of us in rural areas face unequal, at times nearly impossible, access to care. We must travel hours, wait months, jump through hoops at the last minute in order to get physical and mental health care for our veterans.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">It's not about our case, it's about painting a picture of what's going on nationwide with families and veterans, raising awareness, and pushing for change.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 12.75pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I would like to thank the wonderful Kristy Kauffman of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://codeofsupport.org/">Code of Support</a> for arranging the invitation for me to speak during the AUSA conference!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-81584585056293575752012-11-26T05:52:00.001-06:002012-11-26T05:52:42.702-06:00Cole Comes Home<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQkIHFbjGlE/ULNTIaD91dI/AAAAAAAABeI/29NCw9_7Wek/s1600/Cole0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQkIHFbjGlE/ULNTIaD91dI/AAAAAAAABeI/29NCw9_7Wek/s320/Cole0001.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Meet our newest addition to the family! In September Sean received a guide dog from<a href="http://www.guidedogs.com/"> Guide Dogs for the Blind</a> in Portland, OR. He spent two weeks in Oregon learning to care for and work with his new dog, Cole. Cole is a young black lab (1 1/2 years old) who is all business on his leash and playful puppy when off duty. Since returning home, Cole has started working at the elementary school when Sean volunteers. He goes to the store, the VFW, and of course on daily walks with his new pal Chili. The dogs get along beautifully together. Cole has even traveled to Washington DC to see the president and tour our nation's capitol. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0kTwQ54m14/ULNTJj0SDOI/AAAAAAAABeQ/DqQh8X87-po/s1600/Cole0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0kTwQ54m14/ULNTJj0SDOI/AAAAAAAABeQ/DqQh8X87-po/s320/Cole0003.jpg" width="208" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcum8MIAJfc/ULNTnItxSfI/AAAAAAAABeg/jLVVFDQXk0k/s1600/DSC_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcum8MIAJfc/ULNTnItxSfI/AAAAAAAABeg/jLVVFDQXk0k/s320/DSC_0537.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LiCdkOFii8/ULNTKg7QnDI/AAAAAAAABeY/2EdRXvrTVC0/s1600/Cole0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LiCdkOFii8/ULNTKg7QnDI/AAAAAAAABeY/2EdRXvrTVC0/s320/Cole0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer?pagename=resources_access_meetguide" style="text-align: start;">Meeting a Guide Dog Team: Some Words of Advice</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to see more? Add Cole as a friend on Facebook</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/coledog.johnson">http://www.facebook.com/#!/coledog.johnson</a></div>
<br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-53091310302497449822012-11-24T14:37:00.001-06:002012-11-24T14:37:18.784-06:0067th Annual BVA Convention--Galveston Island<div style="text-align: left;">
BVA Convention Top Ten:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Gulf of Mexico</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Poolside Bar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. The Strand</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. The Elissa</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. The Pleasure Pier</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. The Lone Star Flight Museum</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. NASA</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. The Space Shuttle Training Simulator</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
9. The Awards Banquet--I was elected as the first BVA Auxiliary Board </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Member (Secretary) from the OIF/OEF generation. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10. Reconnecting with OPS friends!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhN_ybYZT5U/ULEks709YxI/AAAAAAAABc4/6SAF05ClLBQ/s1600/DSC_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhN_ybYZT5U/ULEks709YxI/AAAAAAAABc4/6SAF05ClLBQ/s320/DSC_0425.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Mexico">The Gulf of Mexico</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrbYCVUfbeg/ULEk40vS66I/AAAAAAAABdo/atxDYz5wnI8/s1600/DSC_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrbYCVUfbeg/ULEk40vS66I/AAAAAAAABdo/atxDYz5wnI8/s320/DSC_0654.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oceanside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzUWCkrX1Jw/ULEkPNQE52I/AAAAAAAABbg/rkRO3Tk5PA8/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzUWCkrX1Jw/ULEkPNQE52I/AAAAAAAABbg/rkRO3Tk5PA8/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou and Melissa at <a href="http://www.galveston.com/texasseaportmuseum/">The Elissa</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuwLfBkoF2U/ULEkR3nctnI/AAAAAAAABbo/wicmzkvkTTM/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuwLfBkoF2U/ULEkR3nctnI/AAAAAAAABbo/wicmzkvkTTM/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm summer night by the ocean at <a href="http://www.pleasurepier.com/">Galveston Pleasure Pier</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1oo8_gHzww/ULEkUdRJljI/AAAAAAAABbw/j4Q7QIuGOIA/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1oo8_gHzww/ULEkUdRJljI/AAAAAAAABbw/j4Q7QIuGOIA/s320/DSC_0174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy Baxter showing off at the <a href="http://www.lsfm.org/">Lone Star Flight Museum</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXBcImh8NJc/ULEkW_hbC4I/AAAAAAAABb4/AKdE054_jus/s1600/DSC_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXBcImh8NJc/ULEkW_hbC4I/AAAAAAAABb4/AKdE054_jus/s320/DSC_0286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/home/index.html">Mission Control, Johnson Space Center</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y4jvw9GiOU/ULEkZiT1JmI/AAAAAAAABcA/V8-dui5DmjI/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y4jvw9GiOU/ULEkZiT1JmI/AAAAAAAABcA/V8-dui5DmjI/s320/DSC_0299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Mission Control Room, Johnson Space Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Am5yh9V50OY/ULEkcTkxLVI/AAAAAAAABcM/d4o0L28LjcY/s1600/DSC_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Am5yh9V50OY/ULEkcTkxLVI/AAAAAAAABcM/d4o0L28LjcY/s320/DSC_0378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NASA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHWdMvtfo1Y/ULEkkXf_IVI/AAAAAAAABcU/0pmCzqwnYuo/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHWdMvtfo1Y/ULEkkXf_IVI/AAAAAAAABcU/0pmCzqwnYuo/s320/DSC_0405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robonauts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdCnGLEmsMU/ULEknCXYN6I/AAAAAAAABcg/4WGr5ObRR_k/s1600/DSC_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdCnGLEmsMU/ULEknCXYN6I/AAAAAAAABcg/4WGr5ObRR_k/s320/DSC_0414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Operation Peer Support Group at NASA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9GyVIZlc-M/ULEkp_yHlyI/AAAAAAAABco/-werO4ZL0U4/s1600/DSC_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9GyVIZlc-M/ULEkp_yHlyI/AAAAAAAABco/-werO4ZL0U4/s320/DSC_0421.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean with astronaut <a href="http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/fossum.html">Mike Fossum</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8b4L_wKwuI/ULEkqwhdHNI/AAAAAAAABcw/x4F40-ebD8o/s1600/DSC_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8b4L_wKwuI/ULEkqwhdHNI/AAAAAAAABcw/x4F40-ebD8o/s320/DSC_0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family ready for the banquet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxg5813BqNo/ULEku4jzBwI/AAAAAAAABdA/Krd37HwmhG0/s1600/DSC_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxg5813BqNo/ULEku4jzBwI/AAAAAAAABdA/Krd37HwmhG0/s320/DSC_0445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cate and Melissa at the banquet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAKEQ2A0OJ4/ULEkxESfhWI/AAAAAAAABdI/nVM1kCOuzAI/s1600/DSC_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAKEQ2A0OJ4/ULEkxESfhWI/AAAAAAAABdI/nVM1kCOuzAI/s320/DSC_0516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa, Christina, and Lou</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IOCLcc-eOQ/ULEk3JkzrxI/AAAAAAAABdg/jYSjVBptFdE/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IOCLcc-eOQ/ULEk3JkzrxI/AAAAAAAABdg/jYSjVBptFdE/s320/DSC_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday girl Cate and husband Tim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gQkEz2h5GQ/ULEk0ReD-QI/AAAAAAAABdY/0txxmEZLAZc/s1600/DSC_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gQkEz2h5GQ/ULEk0ReD-QI/AAAAAAAABdY/0txxmEZLAZc/s320/DSC_0521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou and Ben</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-71117765698241124232012-11-24T13:36:00.000-06:002012-11-24T13:36:01.896-06:00Horses for Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
July took us back to Colorado for the <a href="http://www.challengeaspen.org/">Challenge Aspen</a> Horses for Heroes program in conjunction with <a href="http://www.sopristherapyservices.org/">Sopris Therapy Services</a>. We had an AMAZING trip with friends, old and new. I spent the week with my horse, Jilly, and Sean spent his week getting to know Navajo. The program incorporated music and art therapy into the daily sessions with singer/songwriter <a href="http://www.mackbailey.com/">Mack Bailey</a> and artist <a href="http://www.creative-awakenings.com/">Sheri Gaynor</a>. There was an afternoon of fishing and swapping TBI stories up on the mountain. Our week concluded with a cookout at the Carbondale Rodeo. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sean and I also attended the <a href="http://www.challengeaspen.org/fundraising-events/vince-gill-amy-grant-golf-classic/">Vince Gill and Amy Grant Golf Classic</a>, an annual fundraiser for Challenge Aspen. We had the opportunity to visit the horses at Sopris before the evening's charity dinner and concert. The music was beautiful and we were able to speak with Vince and Amy after the show. We are forever grateful for the opportunities provided to us by Challenge Aspen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKUiFeJiZeE/ULEdON_-UoI/AAAAAAAABa8/-C4FfxmYRPs/s1600/Horses+for+Heroes+July+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKUiFeJiZeE/ULEdON_-UoI/AAAAAAAABa8/-C4FfxmYRPs/s400/Horses+for+Heroes+July+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09m4T7EUhzI/ULEeSCe0RpI/AAAAAAAABbE/C5F2DosHcug/s1600/Golf+Gala+July+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-09m4T7EUhzI/ULEeSCe0RpI/AAAAAAAABbE/C5F2DosHcug/s400/Golf+Gala+July+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-33484472430213988092012-11-24T12:47:00.001-06:002012-11-24T12:47:54.952-06:00Helen Deutsch Writer's Workshop--New York City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In June of 2012 I was invited on a Caregiver's Writing Retreat sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project. Forty caregivers of veterans from across the nation were flown into New York City for a weekend of lights, sounds, laughter, and writing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We spent two full days working in our writing groups with professional mentors (you can read about my amazing mentors here: <a href="http://gothamist.com/2005/04/11/jessica_blank_and_erik_jensen_playwrights_the_exonerated_authors_living_justice.php">http://gothamist.com/2005/04/11/jessica_blank_and_erik_jensen_playwrights_the_exonerated_authors_living_justice.php</a>) and honing our writing skills. In the evenings we attended a play and had time to explore Times Square. Several of us had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero and see the beautiful memorial fountains.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We returned in September for part two at the Writer's Guild. Working once again with our mentors, we had the chance to delve deeper into our writing and into ourselves to really find our "voice" and practice our craft. The highlight of the trip was an evening bus tour around NYC and the surrounding boroughs which was wrapped up at an authentic NY pizza joint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My group has formed an online writing group to encourage one another to keep plugging away at our writing and discover where it takes us!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-OV56vHalc/ULEOZbMbQBI/AAAAAAAABac/b5P47mLsO7A/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-OV56vHalc/ULEOZbMbQBI/AAAAAAAABac/b5P47mLsO7A/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYi1aryPrtU/ULEQpc2GRjI/AAAAAAAABak/-HrFZ1VuC-c/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYi1aryPrtU/ULEQpc2GRjI/AAAAAAAABak/-HrFZ1VuC-c/s400/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-47906311073136566722012-07-05T01:26:00.001-05:002012-07-05T01:26:12.170-05:00Opening the BoxOff topic from what I usually write here, but before I can sleep I need to clear this from my head. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From the time our kids were little, our 4th of July tradition had been to spend the day at my dad's farm. We would spend a week planning out the meal from burgers and brats to my step mother's AMAZING potato salad to the red, white, and blue jello she made for the kids every year. By noon we would be at the house setting up and preparing for the day's festivities. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The kids would help their dad unload the trunk full of fireworks with wide-eyed anticipation. </div>
<div>
"How long til it's dark?" </div>
<div>
"Can we just do <i>one</i> now?" </div>
<div>
"Pleeeeease?" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0FzW1JBgvg/T_UuyaEkN6I/AAAAAAAABU0/dUVdhWR99xI/s1600/scan0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r0FzW1JBgvg/T_UuyaEkN6I/AAAAAAAABU0/dUVdhWR99xI/s200/scan0031.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Before long they would be popping Snaps on the sidewalk and squealing with delight. My brother and sister would come out with a box of matches and help the little kids light the black tabs that would grow into "snakes" and set off colored smoke bombs in the driveway. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By the time dinner was ready, Sean and the other "big boys" would have the daytime attractions ready to fire: bottle rockets and parachutes. Kids would scramble as the paper parachutes drifted through the sky. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ9YDcUXGKs/T_UuBMguDmI/AAAAAAAABUU/V8KqX-donNE/s1600/scan0303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ9YDcUXGKs/T_UuBMguDmI/AAAAAAAABUU/V8KqX-donNE/s320/scan0303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite the heat, my dad would start a campfire and set up a semi circle of chairs facing the large gravel driveway. He was always mindful of wind direction and to make sure no one got too close to the livestock or the hay barn. We would fill our plates with food just before dusk and settle in around the campfire. Before supper was over, the kids would be begging for marshmallows to roast. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UISxaRquhfE/T_UuA_iHWQI/AAAAAAAABUM/SkWgw6nVGso/s1600/8_P8_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UISxaRquhfE/T_UuA_iHWQI/AAAAAAAABUM/SkWgw6nVGso/s320/8_P8_008.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
As the sun set in the west, the boys would start their fireworks display. Aerial repeaters, roman candles, helicopters, ground spinners, strobes, and fountain tubes filled the air with gorgeous colors of flashing light and the smell of sulphur. When the show had finished, the kids would get their turn with multicolored sparklers to see if they could write their names in the air before it burned out.<br /><br />After our supplies were spent, we would pull our chairs into the driveway for a perfect view of the city fireworks display. Dad always joked that we had to move further out into the driveway each year for a good view because, "It seems like those trees get taller every year."<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXPQyC0ovAU/T_UuFcXMaiI/AAAAAAAABUs/99xJorINrWc/s1600/scan0057+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXPQyC0ovAU/T_UuFcXMaiI/AAAAAAAABUs/99xJorINrWc/s320/scan0057+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When the last sparkle left the sky, it was time to gather around the bon fire and roast marshmallows. If you were roasting for Grandma, you would stick it deep into the flames until it caught fire. For the little kids, just a little brown around the edges. Add graham crackers and Hershey bar for the most finger-licking melty treat you can imagine! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKLH_tCUONo/T_UuCIGnzxI/AAAAAAAABUk/84IIQAa-qk4/s1600/scan0340+my+edits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKLH_tCUONo/T_UuCIGnzxI/AAAAAAAABUk/84IIQAa-qk4/s320/scan0340+my+edits.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0h0_TosrhdI/T_UuB0hE8eI/AAAAAAAABUc/2mmPXPOvlPQ/s1600/scan0334+my+edits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0h0_TosrhdI/T_UuB0hE8eI/AAAAAAAABUc/2mmPXPOvlPQ/s320/scan0334+my+edits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The logs would slowly begin to burn out and turn to ash. Any free lap was prime real estate for a sleepy child. A few stray fireworks would pop in the distance from time to time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have missed these times greatly in the past few years. The farm no longer stands and my dad is gone. My husband can't enjoy the fireworks the way he once did and the children are grown with plans of their own. Today was HARD. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A wise and wonderful friend told me tonight that the reason today was so painful for me was because these memories are like opening up a box of my father's belongings--things I'm not necessarily ready to deal with that have raw pain attached to them. I opened a box and looked inside. It's all there, inside me. So until next year, I'm going to replace the lid and store that box away, knowing there is a piece of me stored inside as well. It's not gone. . . but will be there when I'm ready to peek in again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-37315714674379123882012-06-25T19:33:00.000-05:002012-06-25T19:43:40.519-05:00Western Blind Rehabilitation Center<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sean was accepted into the <a href="http://www.paloalto.va.gov/wbrc/neurological.asp">Comprehensive Neurological Vision Rehabilitation (CNVR) </a>program at the <a href="http://www.paloalto.va.gov/wbrc/index.asp">Western Blind RehabCenter (WBRC)</a> in Menlo Park, CA. On
February 21<sup>st</sup> we flew to California to get him admitted into the
program. Through the VA’s Caregiver
Program, I was able to spend the first week and a half at the blind center with
Sean to help him adjust and to observe the program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The staff and program at WBRC were impressive!
We both felt at ease and Sean settled into his routine. His day included: Manual Skills where he learned woodworking,
ceramics, leatherwork, and gardening; Orientation and Mobility which offered a
refresher on his mobility and cane skills along with training on the <a href="http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/blindness/talking_gps/trekker_breeze/_details/id_101/trekker_breeze_handheld_talking_gps.html">TrekkerBreeze</a>; Living Skills focused on cooking, cleaning, and using devices such as
the <a href="http://www.independentliving.com/prodinfo.asp?number=757826">Milestone</a> to better organize his day; Visual Skills emphasized using the
<a href="http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/blindness/dtb_players/compact_models/_details/id_81/victor_reader_stream_daisy_mp3_player.html?utm_source=SOSIGN-3SUP8C-10&utm_medium=sosign">Victor Reader Stream</a> for his audio books as well as using proper lighting and
scanning techniques; CNVR training instructed him in use of the iPad and his
computer, and introduced him to <a href="http://www.interactivemetronome.com/">Interactive Metronome (IM)</a>. IM uses rhythm to help reset the brain’s
timing and to improve a variety of functions including memory, concentration,
and focus. Sean will be continuing IM
therapy at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before I returned home we took the Caltrain
into San Francisco for the day. We went
to Pier 39 and took a boat tour of the bay around Alcatraz and under the Golden
Gate Bridge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I returned for the family training portion
of the program on May 9<sup>th</sup>. We
met with the neurologist and with Dr. Cockerham and discussed the results of
the MRI. The high-resolution MRI did
detect areas of brain damage on the right side in the frontal lobe, temporal
lobe, and deep white matter. While there
is not visible damage in the occipital lobe (visual center of the brain) vision
travels throughout the brain and all parts of the brain play a role in what the
brain sees. Sean’s damage is on the right
side, and his weak eye is his left since vision crosses the brain while it
travels to the back of the brain.
Testing indicates that Sean receives very little visual information
through his left eye. When presented
with a light bar approximately four feet long with flashing lights, Sean’s eyes
responded automatically to lights on the right side, but did not respond or
“jump” to any stimuli from the center of his body to the left. While there is no clear “x marks the spot”
answer, I respect that there are things medical science cannot explain and that
the doctors were up front and honest.
The instructors who worked with Sean every day did not find any
indication of conversion disorder. At
this time continued vision rehab, such as the CNVR program, is recommended for
possible improvement over time. Sean
will likely return to the WBRC in 8-12 months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Overall, we were thrilled with the program and found the staff,
training, and accommodations to be top notch!
HUGE thanks to John and Dan of the CNVR program, as well as to Nikki, Anita,
Paula, Matt, Tony, Nicole, and all the nursing staff (and anyone I forgot)!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6yCPmBw76E/T5fozHLesXI/AAAAAAAABII/RYEWVZxkvFE/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6yCPmBw76E/T5fozHLesXI/AAAAAAAABII/RYEWVZxkvFE/s320/IMG_0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Blind Rehab Center, Menlo Park, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AM8ABhBGKnA/T5fowyNrgXI/AAAAAAAABHo/PiZOUxmSLvM/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AM8ABhBGKnA/T5fowyNrgXI/AAAAAAAABHo/PiZOUxmSLvM/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Black Jack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KglZS7zV2pM/T5fowi6X_xI/AAAAAAAABHg/qo07sgk4vJU/s1600/DSCN3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KglZS7zV2pM/T5fowi6X_xI/AAAAAAAABHg/qo07sgk4vJU/s320/DSCN3772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pier 39</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg4acMvLWzU/T5fpGv2X94I/AAAAAAAABIg/mQ-VJnhMpLM/s1600/DSCN3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg4acMvLWzU/T5fpGv2X94I/AAAAAAAABIg/mQ-VJnhMpLM/s320/DSCN3766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Lions at Pier 39</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4hFSKSLWAw/T5foz5LUrvI/AAAAAAAABIY/V-H3Pu_UUoA/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4hFSKSLWAw/T5foz5LUrvI/AAAAAAAABIY/V-H3Pu_UUoA/s320/IMG_0422.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Gate Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ramudhNK4U/T-kCSVtZsRI/AAAAAAAABR0/dwUg-d31SzI/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ramudhNK4U/T-kCSVtZsRI/AAAAAAAABR0/dwUg-d31SzI/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean made dinner in Living Skills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2izKGuy2dKc/T-kCUYLqX6I/AAAAAAAABR8/rTU3VEh6Th8/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2izKGuy2dKc/T-kCUYLqX6I/AAAAAAAABR8/rTU3VEh6Th8/s320/IMG_0837.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watering his garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ3Ve6cibn4/T-kCWkMO7QI/AAAAAAAABSE/qsEg9Nde77s/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ3Ve6cibn4/T-kCWkMO7QI/AAAAAAAABSE/qsEg9Nde77s/s320/IMG_0928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working in the shop with Tony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHmZ3LlHk0U/T-kCYwNEiuI/AAAAAAAABSM/qbZnzP22szY/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHmZ3LlHk0U/T-kCYwNEiuI/AAAAAAAABSM/qbZnzP22szY/s320/IMG_0946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduation with Program Manager John Kingston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq0TZ9FQM30/T-kCajd96fI/AAAAAAAABSU/opFMosjvqzo/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq0TZ9FQM30/T-kCajd96fI/AAAAAAAABSU/opFMosjvqzo/s320/IMG_0960.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Technology Class with Dan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-35166613426718480272012-06-20T16:07:00.000-05:002012-06-20T16:07:58.664-05:00CDMRPMarch took us to D.C. to participate on a panel as part of the <a href="http://cdmrp.army.mil/">Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs</a>. Basically, we reviewed grant proposals and then worked with a panel comprised of veterans, doctors, and scientists to determine the merit of each proposal as it applied to science and to the impact for patients. To say this was a learning experience would be an enormous understatement! <br />
<br />
The highlight for me was meeting fellow FOV staff Brannan Vines, and Amanda & Tony Patchell! So exciting to meet my friends in person and be able to hug each one of them. The trip was a huge success and a great time was had all around. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHw8uk8iPp0/T5fp2OWVsZI/AAAAAAAABIo/gOvtcAQMqYs/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHw8uk8iPp0/T5fp2OWVsZI/AAAAAAAABIo/gOvtcAQMqYs/s320/IMG_0615.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa with Brannan Vines,<br />
President and Founder of Family Of a Vet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut_Rr57Ut5k/T5fp3FNKj0I/AAAAAAAABIw/KLuQJGyTkG0/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut_Rr57Ut5k/T5fp3FNKj0I/AAAAAAAABIw/KLuQJGyTkG0/s320/IMG_0616.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa and Amanda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRExMxeJlHs/T5fp5PQ5olI/AAAAAAAABI4/QExCc1yZ1Z8/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRExMxeJlHs/T5fp5PQ5olI/AAAAAAAABI4/QExCc1yZ1Z8/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony and Sean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-75427326134075011562012-06-20T15:38:00.001-05:002012-06-26T21:58:20.002-05:00Challenge Aspen C.A.M.O.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In February Sean and I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Visually Impaired Ski & Snowboard festival through <a href="http://www.challengeaspen.org/challenge-aspen-military-opportunities/">Challenge Aspen C.A.M.O.</a> We traveled to gorgeous Snowmass, Colorado for a week-long adventure filled with skiing, friends, and relaxation. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sean easily picked up with skiing as if he'd never stopped. The sport is excellent for his balance as well as for physical fitness. We spent time with fantastic friends and made new ones as well. The girls took a day off and rode the gondola up Mount Aspen and had lunch at an incredible hidden gem called <a href="http://www.krabloonik.com/">Krabloonik</a> where we were able to watch the sled dogs get hitched and ready to run. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEKZ8cS-PgM/T-p2wHFaugI/AAAAAAAABTw/RAZo0_OYHIE/s1600/hunt0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEKZ8cS-PgM/T-p2wHFaugI/AAAAAAAABTw/RAZo0_OYHIE/s320/hunt0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3oNzinJawA/T5fnMTON84I/AAAAAAAABGE/JZGwMQaqZ24/s1600/DSCN3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3oNzinJawA/T5fnMTON84I/AAAAAAAABGE/JZGwMQaqZ24/s320/DSCN3742.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHfPGsPrQ_I/T5fnMjk0d-I/AAAAAAAABGM/x7TkJmISixY/s1600/DSCN3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHfPGsPrQ_I/T5fnMjk0d-I/AAAAAAAABGM/x7TkJmISixY/s320/DSCN3757.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven Schulz and Sean at Spider Sabich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uEO6cDXo5A/T5fnNF1SxrI/AAAAAAAABGU/S8z2k13uwkA/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uEO6cDXo5A/T5fnNF1SxrI/AAAAAAAABGU/S8z2k13uwkA/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean with instructors Kathy and Jim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07BZ6QxGDgU/T5fnQ6BdB8I/AAAAAAAABHM/9D6x20VNFFc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07BZ6QxGDgU/T5fnQ6BdB8I/AAAAAAAABHM/9D6x20VNFFc/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvf8K3ofUMg/T5fnN5HJmbI/AAAAAAAABGc/V1JDNZ2G2uo/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvf8K3ofUMg/T5fnN5HJmbI/AAAAAAAABGc/V1JDNZ2G2uo/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrey Shannon and Melissa riding the gondola<br />
to the top of Mt. Aspen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eCnZcCeR8Eo/T5fnOlJJTiI/AAAAAAAABGk/j-gmVOUnu5I/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eCnZcCeR8Eo/T5fnOlJJTiI/AAAAAAAABGk/j-gmVOUnu5I/s320/IMG_0295.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww7YIkrGm6Q/T5fnQR8jloI/AAAAAAAABHE/3NQ2e16xZ5w/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww7YIkrGm6Q/T5fnQR8jloI/AAAAAAAABHE/3NQ2e16xZ5w/s320/IMG_0343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls' Day at Mt. Aspen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXhzWllFI3w/T5fnPG4HBII/AAAAAAAABGs/FbhudOfrt24/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXhzWllFI3w/T5fnPG4HBII/AAAAAAAABGs/FbhudOfrt24/s320/IMG_0318.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog sleds at Krabloonik</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTKXF2UXnsE/T5fnPirwO2I/AAAAAAAABG0/lV53WSsc0T8/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTKXF2UXnsE/T5fnPirwO2I/AAAAAAAABG0/lV53WSsc0T8/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa and Debbie Schulz </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLUqxlUuakU/T5fnQO2mAaI/AAAAAAAABG8/PtvUVyl6BfA/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLUqxlUuakU/T5fnQO2mAaI/AAAAAAAABG8/PtvUVyl6BfA/s320/IMG_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean, Karen, Eddie, Steven, Sergio, Corey, and Dorian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />We enjoyed our experience so thoroughly that we will be heading back to Snowmass in July for Horses for Heroes, part of Challenge Aspen's C.A.M.O. program. Can't wait! </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-37216852323333733432012-06-20T14:42:00.000-05:002012-06-26T22:02:41.819-05:00Sons of Southfork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7w-vihKwUA/T4n6wiHLqGI/AAAAAAAABDM/5k5T_gm8mYU/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7w-vihKwUA/T4n6wiHLqGI/AAAAAAAABDM/5k5T_gm8mYU/s320/Picture+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0e6Cv_LzRhg/T-p3yOzxbdI/AAAAAAAABT4/Df_JsHTJSUM/s1600/hunt0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0e6Cv_LzRhg/T-p3yOzxbdI/AAAAAAAABT4/Df_JsHTJSUM/s320/hunt0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This post is horribly overdue! But I decided to share it anyway because the Sons of Southfork have been avid supporters of Sean's cycling and recovery. Every October they fly a group of veterans to the Southfork Ranch in Dallas, SD for a weekend of pheasant hunting and camaraderie. Celebrities such as Kent Hrbek and Tom Watson come out and spend the entire weekend hunting side by side with disabled veterans. Please watch the <a href="http://www.southfork-hunting.com/charititable-activities">promotional video</a> to truly understand the impact these men have on the lives of wounded veterans.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-71379304076934452262012-04-25T06:49:00.003-05:002012-04-25T06:55:50.351-05:00Time Off?I am more than a little insulted by the comment I've heard more than once in the past two months, "Are you enjoying your time off?" Seriously? Is that what you think I am doing? <br />
<br />
I'm a full-time caregiver. I resigned my position at school because my husband needed my support at home. We were fortunate that he could come to work with me and offer his services as a volunteer so that I could keep an eye on him and not leave him home alone. It was a quick fix, and while he still volunteers when he is able, taking him to work with me was not a long term solution.<br />
<br />
Yes, I'm at home. But guess what? I am working. Not only am I providing 24 hour support for my husband, I am the Volunteer Coordinator for <a href="http://www.familyofavet.com/">Family Of a Vet</a>, an AMAZING non-profit organization that is working tirelessly for veterans and familes. FOV currently has almost 250 <a href="http://www.familyofavet.com/grassroots_team.html">Grassroots Volunteers</a>. Through our website, facebook page, and social media we reach tens of thousands of people each month! I am on call around the clock to provide support and resources for our members. The past two months have been filled with late FOV nights, and busy days. Here is a run-down of what I do:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>advocate for veterans and families</li>
<li>locate and provide resources</li>
<li>research</li>
<li>moderate group rooms online</li>
<li>offer ongoing support to our members online and through email and phone calls</li>
<li>manage the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_volunteering">"virtual" volunteer</a> database</li>
<li>coordinate and host the weekly Caregiver's Edition of our<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyofavet"> Life After Combat Blog Talk Radio Show</a></li>
<li>coordinate with staff on projects including our blogs, fundraising, website, networking</li>
<li>use social media to raise awareness of veterans issues</li>
</ul>
<br />
I may not be working in the conventional sense, but I'm making a difference in the lives of veterans and families. I am providing the support I wish I'd had six years ago when we started this crazy roller coaster life of uncertainty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ota2Ru12dFI/T5ffReUbC1I/AAAAAAAABFg/MQVkyGdeCdA/s1600/427532_2723299009883_1479354360_3933163_188650493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ota2Ru12dFI/T5ffReUbC1I/AAAAAAAABFg/MQVkyGdeCdA/s320/427532_2723299009883_1479354360_3933163_188650493_n.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
You may think I'm just goofing off, but actually facebook is my office. Family Of a Vet is a non-profit run by veterans and family members who *GET IT* and are trying to reach out to others who are struggling like us to help and offer support and education.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSNcYBkDnG0/T5ffwi9mmaI/AAAAAAAABF4/DXYnipZJJ5A/s1600/Life+before+FOV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSNcYBkDnG0/T5ffwi9mmaI/AAAAAAAABF4/DXYnipZJJ5A/s320/Life+before+FOV.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0">
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="hasCaption" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4f97e03415dc84946268868" style="display: inline;">
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Shared by Family Of a Vet, Inc., a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families learn how to cope with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury) and life after combat through real-world, plain language education and resources for heroes, families, and communities.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you know a veteran or loved one that we can help, please encourage them to visit us:</span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One the web - <a href="http://www.familyofavet.com/">www.familyofavet.com </a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lifeaftercombat">www.facebook.com/lifeaftercombat</a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/familyofavet">www.twitter.com/familyofavet</a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On our blog - <a href="http://blog.familyofavet.com/">http://blog.familyofavet.com/</a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On Blog Talk Radio - <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyofavet">www.blogtalkradio.com/familyofavet</a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On YouTube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/familyofavet">www.youtube.com/familyofavet</a></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
</div>
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-76538988487076700072012-03-22T21:49:00.001-05:002012-03-22T21:49:14.046-05:00At Last<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xE2BaCcToOk/T2vhOv9Si3I/AAAAAAAAA-A/DnA1dMUS7lE/s1600/426960_10151371841245104_696280103_23216445_167241066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xE2BaCcToOk/T2vhOv9Si3I/AAAAAAAAA-A/DnA1dMUS7lE/s320/426960_10151371841245104_696280103_23216445_167241066_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/aan-six-years-after-injury-aberdeen-soldier-awarded-purple-heart-20120211,0,699253.story">http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/aan-six-years-after-injury-aberdeen-soldier-awarded-purple-heart-20120211,0,699253.story</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-57206979259456452742012-02-06T22:22:00.003-06:002012-02-06T22:22:26.325-06:00Sometimes life with PTSD means. . . part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f55oM1iJ4UE/TxwyfFwDFHI/AAAAAAAAA7g/DOVxzjz8VBM/s1600/new+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f55oM1iJ4UE/TxwyfFwDFHI/AAAAAAAAA7g/DOVxzjz8VBM/s640/new+post+2.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcXTxiQMxgc/TxwyhSBzgLI/AAAAAAAAA7o/GqvlRrkJ6I8/s1600/new+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcXTxiQMxgc/TxwyhSBzgLI/AAAAAAAAA7o/GqvlRrkJ6I8/s640/new+post.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
**This album is a collection of thoughts & quotes from Veterans and those who love them who are living life with PTSD. If you'd like to submit a quote of approximately 70 words or less to possibly be included in this album, please send it to info-at-familyofavet.com.*<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>*<br />
<br />
Shared by Family Of a Vet, Inc., a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families learn how to cope with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury) and life after combat through real-world, plain language education and resources for heroes, families, and communities.<br />
If you know a Veteran or loved one that we can help, please encourage them to visit us:<br />
<br />
On the web - <a href="http://www.familyofavet.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>www.familyofavet.com/</a><br />
On Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lifeaftercombat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>lifeaftercombat</a><br />
On Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a><br />
On our blog - <a href="http://blog.familyofavet.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>blog.familyofavet.com/</a><br />
On BlogTalk Radio - <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>www.blogtalkradio.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a><br />
On YouTube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-19306452979263071782012-01-03T10:03:00.001-06:002012-01-03T10:03:41.200-06:00Sometimes life with PTSD means. . . part 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyFa5zvJAbY/TwMmdnNI-TI/AAAAAAAAA7I/pAMQ-HHuvv8/s1600/post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyFa5zvJAbY/TwMmdnNI-TI/AAAAAAAAA7I/pAMQ-HHuvv8/s640/post+3.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~Wife of a Veteran with PTSD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ-75Jv00_A/TwMmDgB-76I/AAAAAAAAA68/x47elFF6QjM/s1600/post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ-75Jv00_A/TwMmDgB-76I/AAAAAAAAA68/x47elFF6QjM/s640/post.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~Wife of a Wounded Hero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N444gGE4rSE/TwMl1bADuSI/AAAAAAAAA6w/GGnq3QUod0k/s1600/post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N444gGE4rSE/TwMl1bADuSI/AAAAAAAAA6w/GGnq3QUod0k/s640/post+2.jpg" width="329" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~Wife of a Hero with PTSD & TBI<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
**This album is a collection of thoughts & quotes from Veterans and those who love them who are living life with PTSD. If you'd like to submit a quote of approximately 70 words or less to possibly be included in this album, please send it to info-at-familyofavet.com.*<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>*<br /> <br /> Shared by Family Of a Vet, Inc., a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families learn how to cope with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury) and life after combat through real-world, plain language education and resources for heroes, families, and communities.<br /> <br /> If you know a Veteran or loved one that we can help, please encourage them to visit us:<br /> <br /> On the web - <a href="http://www.familyofavet.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>www.familyofavet.com/</a><br /> On Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lifeaftercombat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.facebook.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>lifeaftercombat</a><br /> On Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.twitter.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a><br /> On our blog - <a href="http://blog.familyofavet.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>blog.familyofavet.com/</a><br /> On BlogTalk Radio - <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.blogtalkradio.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a><br /> On YouTube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.youtube.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-3668905170033438492012-01-01T23:30:00.001-06:002012-01-01T23:30:08.847-06:00Sometimes life with PTSD means. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0JDwTzToyQ/TwE-3oPAFbI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/G2wRcAkU16M/s1600/402525_227462387331229_126798607397608_526683_1973501942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0JDwTzToyQ/TwE-3oPAFbI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/G2wRcAkU16M/s640/402525_227462387331229_126798607397608_526683_1973501942_n.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Veteran, US Army (Desert Storm)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYhJtLfBM_I/TwE_LA3JAmI/AAAAAAAAA5c/QPHily6jWeA/s1600/409212_227328634011271_126798607397608_526135_508038047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYhJtLfBM_I/TwE_LA3JAmI/AAAAAAAAA5c/QPHily6jWeA/s640/409212_227328634011271_126798607397608_526135_508038047_n.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~A Veteran Struggling with PTSD<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhFDCvEPa6g/TwE_UJRLRAI/AAAAAAAAA5o/S-s3292tSoU/s1600/385508_227384484005686_126798607397608_526418_139990297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bhFDCvEPa6g/TwE_UJRLRAI/AAAAAAAAA5o/S-s3292tSoU/s640/385508_227384484005686_126798607397608_526418_139990297_n.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Wife of a Combat Veteran with PTSD<br /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uozcF4VpWZ0/TwE_eln9vxI/AAAAAAAAA50/dbVdqT_xqt0/s1600/405010_227390710671730_126798607397608_526428_721335110_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uozcF4VpWZ0/TwE_eln9vxI/AAAAAAAAA50/dbVdqT_xqt0/s640/405010_227390710671730_126798607397608_526428_721335110_n.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Combat Veteran with PTSD</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXaujI8xJfQ/TwE_u_Hr0qI/AAAAAAAAA6M/3_JdTVBFcl8/s1600/386673_227441324000002_126798607397608_526561_619920332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXaujI8xJfQ/TwE_u_Hr0qI/AAAAAAAAA6M/3_JdTVBFcl8/s640/386673_227441324000002_126798607397608_526561_619920332_n.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">~Combat Veteran with PTSD</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span>**This album is a collection of thoughts & quotes from Veterans and those who love them who are living life with PTSD. If you'd like to submit a quote of approximately 70 words or less to possibly be included in this album, please send it to <a href="mailto:info@familyofavet.com">info@familyofavet.com</a>.*</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>*<br /> <br /> Shared by Family Of a Vet, Inc., a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families learn how to cope with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury) and life after combat through real-world, plain language education and resources for heroes, families, and communities.<br /> <br /> If you know a Veteran or loved one that we can help, please encourage them to visit us:<br /> <br /> On the web - <a href="http://www.familyofavet.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>www.familyofavet.com/</a><br /> On Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lifeaftercombat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.facebook.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>lifeaftercombat</a><br /> On Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.twitter.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a><br /> On our blog - <a href="http://blog.familyofavet.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>blog.familyofavet.com/</a><br /> On BlogTalk Radio - <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.blogtalkradio.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a><br /> On YouTube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/familyofavet" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.youtube.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>familyofavet</a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-28186268523924672712011-12-31T22:14:00.007-06:002012-01-01T22:17:40.956-06:00Goodbye 2011<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaCALpYDEZs/Tv_LdOxBomI/AAAAAAAAAv4/e4xr2l1sZAQ/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaCALpYDEZs/Tv_LdOxBomI/AAAAAAAAAv4/e4xr2l1sZAQ/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January--boring. . . . .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pz-NkcLMYPQ/Tv_VHd4GtHI/AAAAAAAAA1I/FxNAC9iRea0/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pz-NkcLMYPQ/Tv_VHd4GtHI/AAAAAAAAA1I/FxNAC9iRea0/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February--perpetual snow, one of the snowiest <br />
winters on record in SD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycna7Bfzqlk/Tv_VnZbW_ZI/AAAAAAAAA1g/4jYS6xhWhWU/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycna7Bfzqlk/Tv_VnZbW_ZI/AAAAAAAAA1g/4jYS6xhWhWU/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeley's 17th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuL14mDhhL0/Tv_VRnGWaEI/AAAAAAAAA1U/_53IcU0E22w/s1600/DSCN2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuL14mDhhL0/Tv_VRnGWaEI/AAAAAAAAA1U/_53IcU0E22w/s320/DSCN2076.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March--24 hours in Seattle and dinner at <br />
the top of the Space Needle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vh194oyP9A/Tv_W3nJaf0I/AAAAAAAAA2M/1YGkTwobuyA/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vh194oyP9A/Tv_W3nJaf0I/AAAAAAAAA2M/1YGkTwobuyA/s320/DSC_0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April--Junior Prom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHhNw0ASX84/Tv_V6MxDv0I/AAAAAAAAA1s/3l74nrb33Yo/s1600/DSCN2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHhNw0ASX84/Tv_V6MxDv0I/AAAAAAAAA1s/3l74nrb33Yo/s320/DSCN2326.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May--Speaking at the Canadian Embassy in DC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke-nAGB7RkM/Tv_WAkwb9PI/AAAAAAAAA2A/9gtgxNcYQWE/s1600/DSCN2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke-nAGB7RkM/Tv_WAkwb9PI/AAAAAAAAA2A/9gtgxNcYQWE/s320/DSCN2354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There goes Prince Charles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSolhnGXJ_0/Tv_XBTkPBpI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/vC9LVsmNKNk/s1600/Art+and+Sean+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSolhnGXJ_0/Tv_XBTkPBpI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/vC9LVsmNKNk/s320/Art+and+Sean+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June--US Cycling Nationals in Augusta, GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIoJr-69S1E/Tv_XPz1PwUI/AAAAAAAAA2k/s_d97xK3WcA/s1600/DSCN2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIoJr-69S1E/Tv_XPz1PwUI/AAAAAAAAA2k/s_d97xK3WcA/s320/DSCN2494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July--Dinner with family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq3MjxDVDyI/Tv_X1E3FyzI/AAAAAAAAA2w/6LSR_xWJucc/s1600/DSCN0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq3MjxDVDyI/Tv_X1E3FyzI/AAAAAAAAA2w/6LSR_xWJucc/s320/DSCN0634.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USABA Rocky Mountain State Games</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWDFaoiHlX0/Tv_YU0mUefI/AAAAAAAAA3I/ano15I85-aU/s1600/Fremont+21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWDFaoiHlX0/Tv_YU0mUefI/AAAAAAAAA3I/ano15I85-aU/s320/Fremont+21.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August--LAS VEGAS with Christina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SH1tc9oq54/Tv_YbFJ-FZI/AAAAAAAAA3U/f9Osf7Kqvno/s1600/Sean+and+Melissa+Fremont.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SH1tc9oq54/Tv_YbFJ-FZI/AAAAAAAAA3U/f9Osf7Kqvno/s320/Sean+and+Melissa+Fremont.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fremont Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbT0I1DVKKU/Tv_YttXUjLI/AAAAAAAAA3g/6sa_eCFr_zU/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbT0I1DVKKU/Tv_YttXUjLI/AAAAAAAAA3g/6sa_eCFr_zU/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September--Touring the Black Hills with Lou</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-px4yRi0tDZI/Tv_aeZNvZeI/AAAAAAAAA4s/kCLLXVrHQTA/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-px4yRi0tDZI/Tv_aeZNvZeI/AAAAAAAAA4s/kCLLXVrHQTA/s320/DSC_0802.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October--Erin's graduation from Aveda Institute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nDP8HDAMWw/Tv_ZB3F3ZnI/AAAAAAAAA3s/DynRE1vc00E/s1600/DSC_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4nDP8HDAMWw/Tv_ZB3F3ZnI/AAAAAAAAA3s/DynRE1vc00E/s320/DSC_0847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin carving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xI_bwJKRUE/Tv_ZH9N53NI/AAAAAAAAA34/B9koO9TQj-Y/s1600/376625_2409697495445_1641451100_2415928_1549173441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xI_bwJKRUE/Tv_ZH9N53NI/AAAAAAAAA34/B9koO9TQj-Y/s320/376625_2409697495445_1641451100_2415928_1549173441_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November--fishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfY2mukS-6U/Tv_ZOeYq3NI/AAAAAAAAA4E/apVQVJGC22A/s1600/DSC_0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfY2mukS-6U/Tv_ZOeYq3NI/AAAAAAAAA4E/apVQVJGC22A/s320/DSC_0925.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veterans Day Program</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF_6r0foAFQ/Tv_ZlLJAP4I/AAAAAAAAA4g/4-OItTwrOPk/s1600/DSCN3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OF_6r0foAFQ/Tv_ZlLJAP4I/AAAAAAAAA4g/4-OItTwrOPk/s320/DSCN3613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
December--Meeting Kateri at the Whistle Stop Diner</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnX-jPjfy5s/Tv_Zh-drw9I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/2iDnU3Qn3gU/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnX-jPjfy5s/Tv_Zh-drw9I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/2iDnU3Qn3gU/s320/DSC_0346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
Decorating cookies</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264591240817036428.post-38691642836748589082011-11-21T11:22:00.001-06:002011-11-21T11:25:48.339-06:00Wounded, Ill, and Injured Compensation and Benefits Handbook<a href="http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/2011/11/17/dod-releases-updated-compensation-and-benefits-handbook-to-assist-wounded-ill-and-injured-service-members-and-their-families/">DoD Releases Updated Compensation and Benefits Handbook to Assist Wounded, Ill and Injured Service Members and Their Families</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124861337788001450noreply@blogger.com0