For many families in this fine country, today is a happy day. Our troops are coming home from Iraq.
Operation Iraqi Freedom has been controversial. Whether you agree with the war or not and whether you believe we have won or lost does not matter. What matters is that for many of our families this war will never be over.
Our family is one of thousands that will forever be changed because of this war.
This upcoming Monday, December 19, marks my husband's fifth Alive Day. This day marks the day in which our lives were forever changed, and he lived to tell the tale.
J.R. was injured by a roadside bomb. His hand was blown off. Too graphic for you? Good. That's what war is - graphic.
This event sent us down a dark path. A path that thousands have traveled before us, and thousands will travel after us. We are not alone in our struggles, and while there is comfort in connecting with other Wounded Families, it does not always make the path any easier to walk. In fact, there were times when the darkness was all encompassing and walking the path blind was entirely impossible. When that happened, we crawled; groping our way uphill.
While our marriage has not always been as beautiful as the pictures in the many news articles have led you to believe, we dug deep and crawled home together.
Even after five years there are difficult moments. There are days when I just want to hold my husband's hand. Or nights when I wish he could find peace and sleep calmly.
I tell you of these struggles not because I want your sympathy, or your pity. I tell you of these struggles because I want you to remember - no, I NEED you to remember - that the war will never be over. Not for my family. Not for the families of many.
So the next time you see a Veteran, thank them for serving.
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first of all, wow. Being safe here in america you never really think of what's going on outside of our country, the goings on that makes our country what it is. I'm super happy that the troops are coming home, thats great. But your post definitely made me re-think war. Even though its over doesn't mean it doesn't live on in the hearts of those who have served. Many families, as you said, are affected by this each day. However, i am happy for those who will get to see their loved ones soon, whether they're safe and sound or scarred from their efforts. War is a terrible necessary thing and i think we all need to keep that in mind. Tell your husband thanks for me. Happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteThank you and JR for your service, Josie. You both deserve it.
ReplyDeleteRPL
Soldiers Angels
Josie, thanks for being the voice for those who can't put their most personal thoughts into such eloquent words. You are an inspiration to all who know you. Love you!
ReplyDeleteThe issue of veterans coming back from war with various physical, mental and emotional troubles is not new; one would think that the military would know how to treat their wounded, but I keep hearing horror stories, yours included, of how things have not gotten any more advanced. They have served, and they should in turn *be* served.
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