I just want to remind you that what I shared with you about Raymond's anxiety was an issue when we were newly married because the First Gulf War was more recent for Raymond. He was in the 2nd MASH Unit in Iraq when the war started. He doesn't talk much about it anymore.
I encourage him to show his sons his uniform. I also keep his American Legion membership accurate for him.
Thank you for being proud of the vets. I think they need to hear that.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thom
I'm surprised. We are well past the point where Nam vets were looked down upon by many. Vets (wherever they served) seem to be respected by almost all - especially grade schoolers and most especially by their sons.
I always go out of my to thank vets for their service.
The navy paid for my BA, and I would have been commissioned in June of 1970 if I hadn't been diagnosed with Hodgkin's that January.
I always go out of my to thank vets for their service.
The navy paid for my BA, and I would have been commissioned in June of 1970 if I hadn't been diagnosed with Hodgkin's that January.
Amy
My boys have brought home forms that ask if you want to bring a vet to class. Raymond is a Viet Nam and First Gulf War vet. I have encouraged him to go to his kids’ classes, but he says maybe next year.
I wish Raymond knew that there is no shame in being a vet as there is no shame as being a person with a disability. I will respect my husband’s decision not to talk to his boys’ class as a vet this year. I don’t get why he is ashamed to be a vet.
Raymond is a member or the American Legion. Why can’t he tell his sons?
I wish Raymond knew that there is no shame in being a vet as there is no shame as being a person with a disability. I will respect my husband’s decision not to talk to his boys’ class as a vet this year. I don’t get why he is ashamed to be a vet.
Raymond is a member or the American Legion. Why can’t he tell his sons?
Thom
I have other friends who have told similar stories, but it's hard to appreciate fully what you and they feel for their spouses. I do, however, know about the power of dreams and how real they can seem.
My father was a career naval officer having enlisted after high school and working his way up to commander. He fought in the Atlantic, the Pacific, North Africa, Saipan, the Marshall Islands, Guam, etc. He almost never spoke of the horrors he saw. Most of what know has been relayed to me by my mother. He must have told her in the same way Raymond tells you.
What you write has its own power.
My father was a career naval officer having enlisted after high school and working his way up to commander. He fought in the Atlantic, the Pacific, North Africa, Saipan, the Marshall Islands, Guam, etc. He almost never spoke of the horrors he saw. Most of what know has been relayed to me by my mother. He must have told her in the same way Raymond tells you.
What you write has its own power.
Amy
A Glimpse into My Reality Beyond What You Know About Raymond
This one is titled “I Married a Combat Vet”
I touch you at night to awaken you with a simple question about the day’s events. But when I touch you, you jump up with fear as if I’m going to hurt you. I feel you beside me at night, flinching at the slightest touch. You lunge at me, and I scream “It’s Amy, your wife. It’s okay.” Following my pleas, you awaken with acknowledgment that you are safe and cling to me for comfort. I don’t fear you my beloved, but am cautious not to wake you from your tortuous dreams. I hear your repeated cries in your sleep as you watch your platoon mate die a horrendous death. My love, I have heard your screams at night and relived with you your horrors as a combat vet. You talk only in your sleep about your pain, but I hear you even when you don’t hear yourself.
This one is titled “I Married a Combat Vet”
I touch you at night to awaken you with a simple question about the day’s events. But when I touch you, you jump up with fear as if I’m going to hurt you. I feel you beside me at night, flinching at the slightest touch. You lunge at me, and I scream “It’s Amy, your wife. It’s okay.” Following my pleas, you awaken with acknowledgment that you are safe and cling to me for comfort. I don’t fear you my beloved, but am cautious not to wake you from your tortuous dreams. I hear your repeated cries in your sleep as you watch your platoon mate die a horrendous death. My love, I have heard your screams at night and relived with you your horrors as a combat vet. You talk only in your sleep about your pain, but I hear you even when you don’t hear yourself.
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