This week is kicking my butt. How is it already Thursday?
Today I thought I would share some of my thoughts…thoughts on things I have read this week, or just random thoughts I’ve had regarding situations that have occurred this week.
- Today is Army Day. The 100th anniversary of World War I. (Thank you, News 3 This Morning)
- There was an article I read about a man and his service dog at a Texas university. I’m not really sure how I feel about it. You can read it here. http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/texas-university-bans-disabled-veterans-service-dog The reasons I have reservations…the dog helps with 20 different pills? And the dog needs more training–while I realize that may seem harsh, I have witnessed “service dogs” stray from their handler in public (when they should not), and I know that some people do not actually have their service dogs trained properly, so perhaps the aggression could be a result of that. Fake service dogs are an issue, and I’m not saying that this student has a fake dog, but I do have a lot of questions regarding this situation.
- There’s a new issue of the Journal of Veterans Studies. You can read it here. http://journals.colostate.edu/vjs/issue/view/6 There are some really great articles in this issue.
- I heard a Veteran say things this week that made me a little upset and sad. What was said? “I wish people would just stop telling me to get over it. Sometimes even my family does not understand my PTSD.” Please do not ever say to a Veteran “why don’t you just get over it?” Healing takes time, it is a long road to recovery and feeling comfortable after war. My heart sank a little after hearing this, and several other Veterans agreed…things you can do to understand: research how trauma causes brain and body changes. Don’t expect your loved ones to be able to immediately control certain situations. Try not to put pressure on the recovery process–this is a journey that has no timeline. And, try to find a balance of support. Recovery takes work.
- NPR (Love) ran a story about some VAs dropping Veteran caregivers from their roles. If you don’t know, the VA has a caregiver support program that pays a stipend to family members of veterans with disabilities, which can really help families. Note: this is some VAs, not all. Read about it here. http://www.npr.org/2017/04/05/522690583/caregivers-for-veterans-dropped-from-va-plan
- I have started listening to podcasts again. I go in phases, but yesterday I enjoyed one of my favorites (and honestly, if you can get past some of the language, they are pretty interesting). My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark is one that I subscribe to as well as Serial, Why I Write, This American Life, and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me. Do you have a favorite podcast you enjoy? Why not leave a comment and let me know…
- While at times there have been some days that have really made me struggle, I was reminded that the fact I am struggling does not make me broken. Everyone struggles. I have not been easy to be around at times this week because there’s just so much going on, and I have been a little stressed out. No one is easy to be around 100% of the time. We all need a little compassion and kindness…and you know what…kindness is always in style.
- I have really great friends and family who love me no matter what. Text messages, Marco Polo messages, Facebook messages–I am very, very thankful for those this week. Little chats, messages, those have meant so much in this crazy busy week. I even had girls days last Saturday and Sunday, and that is just what my heart needed. Thank you–you know who you are! <3
Well, there you have it…some randomness from me for today. I don’t know about you all, but I am ready for the weekend. I am sort of “over” this rain. I am ready for sunshine and warm weather!
