The issues of daily life just look different through the eyes of military families. Stars and Stripes has produced several articles lately that bring this point home.
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Today's paper includes a story about doulas, how they assist expectant moms and how this service is especially significant to women when their husbands are deployed. In this story, the doula who was interviewed is also a military wife. Good to see how we are supporting each other as a community. Click here to read this story by Stripes reporter Charlie Reed.
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Sunday's paper this week had an indepth story about the lives of military teenagers. The impact of this piece is increased by several essays written by teens who are military dependents. Click here for the story by Travis Tritten and links to the essays.
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Lily Burana, former stripper, turned military wife, turned author, writes about PTSD recovery in "I Love a Man in Uniform: A Memoir of Love, War, and Other Battles." Danielle Kirocofe interviewed Lily for Stripes and reviewed her book. Click here to read this story.
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Accompanying the story about Lily's book, Stripes is running a contest, with an autographed copy of Lily's book as the prize. What is the best advice you have ever received as a military spouse? Click here to contribute your answer and enter the contest. Two winners will receive copies of the book. The contest ends May 31.
Checking in on everybody
Just wanted to check in and say hello and see how everyone is doing. I am doing better. I am finally getting past all of the hurt of PTSD. Praise the Lord. It hasn't been easy John and I are still friends and are actually still legally married. I think both of us don't want the marriage to end but the way he shut me out of his life during that time was so hurtful. I know I have been there for him or he wouldn't call when he needs someone to talk to. He lives about 2 hours away with his girlfriend and their baby. I'm ok with that, but it has definitely taken some time. My new business is going great, I am a nail tech at my sisters shop. Please keep me in your prayers I have to have surgery July 29th, they are removing my Pituitary tumor. The doctor said the stress I was under didn't help it at all so therefore it has grown and is pressing into my brain. He came to visit me a couple of weeks ago he was so kind. He hates what he has put me through I told him to not worry about it because it is the past, I am looking forward to the future. I hope everyone is doing well. If your husband, fiance, or boyfriend suffers from PTSD please get help for yourself I got my strength and help from the Lord. God Bless you all.
Survivor: The real kind
Dear Shannon,
It's wonderful to hear from you, especially to hear that in spite of your difficult experience with your husband's PTSD that you are overcoming. A large part of this, I think, is because of your willingness to forgive -- not to continue to let a person walk over you, but to move forward and let go of bitterness -- a decision you must surely renew each day. That is no easy task, and I feel certain that your faith is what makes it possible.
Congratulations on your business success, and I'm marking my calendar to pray for you on the 29th. Please continue to let us know how you are doing.
Sincerely,
Terri
A great feeling
Hello Terri. It is a great feeling to overcome that experience, I really feel for the ones that can't just step aside. That is what they need ( the soldiers ) it is hard. I told John I will always love him and that I'm here if here if he ever needed anyone to talk to. My Faith is what made it possible. I live life to the fullest now everyone says it's so nice to have "Shannon" back. I am a very bubbly person I never realized the impact it was having on me. That is why I stress to wives, girlfriends, fiances to step away, we don't have a clue what is going on in their mind, but we have to take care of ourself. I truly believe John didn't mean to hurt me the way he did, and it was up to me not to let it continue. I am seeing someone from high school that treats me like a queen, I'm definitely not used to that, he was in the Air Force for 10 years, we are taking things very slowly. I never imagined this man would come into my life, you just never knows what God has instore for you. It is great to hear from you. Thank you for responding. I get emails from wives who are going through the same thing I did so I am going to put my email address for anyone who just needs to talk I am here to help. Take care and God Bless. scashatt@northstate.net