Dragon was all Humbug about Christmas. Rude people, bad traffic and too many shoppers. Too much work for him. He didn't complain about the over time, just people. So I called him The Grinch.
I didn't realize what was wrong. It was that old PTSD thing biting him in the backside again. On Christmas day, a few years ago, he was in Afghanistan. When I spoke to him on the phone I heard soft, muffled booms. That was the incoming stuff that really didn't hit anything. The louder booms were the more efficient out going bombs that did what they were intended to do.
There were no lives lost on the FOB where Dragon was but several people died at a FOB near by. Every year he hurts for those soldiers that went home in a box. When Dragon was scheduled to return home several days latter, his plane was no longer available. That plane was taking someone else home. Dragon didn't complain. He stepped aside quietly and waited two weeks for the next plane and for the snow to quit. No landing a plane in a blizzard.
Last night we were out driving around, looking for the prettiest lights in town. Dragon got very quiet and distant. Flying in the distance, he saw 3 planes flying in formation. A trigger.
It breaks my heart that he can't even enjoy the simple things in life without remembering the worst. I hate this.
Good news though. When I called him The Grinch, he realized what was happening and turned it all over to God in prayer. He is doing better, not perfect but better.
He wrote the name of a local Catholic church down and two contact numbers. We may finally be moving forward with finding a few church.
Maybe.
Sorry Dragon is still paying the price for our freedom. Make sure to thank him for me.
ReplyDeleteGlad the lights and your reminder helped him. We all have a role to play in this life and his is being with you and your children. A gentle reminder now and then can be a good thing.
Christmas Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you sunny. He is doing better. This happens every year. I hope that the memories will eventually fade and that he will be able to enjoy Christmas again.
DeleteI can't imagine :( hugs to you all. And hopefully you found a church!
ReplyDeleteI hope so. I tried to call the contact numbers yesterday but I found out I dialed them wrong. Oops. I'll try again latter.
DeleteIt's good to see that he has his faith and his family to help him through those rough moments. Give him a hug for me and tell him that there are many of us who appreciate all that he has sacrificed for us.
ReplyDeleteLove Mrs. D
Our extended family doesn't understand but I will always be there for him. When I told him about this post, he made a rare visit to my blog. Thank you :)
DeleteDragon, as Sunny said, I am so sorry you are still paying the price for our freedom. I thank and salute you for your service to our country. Sometimes when things get really bad for me, I sing or listen to the song 'In the Garden' - here's a YouTube link to one version of it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UilrmC1M1s4. May it bring you the same peace it brings to me.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all a safe and Blessed Christmas.
Blessings,
Cat
Thank you Sunny and Cat. It is life and I need to realize when I an living in the past and get myself back to the present. I cannot change anything that is not happening right now! God will help us trough the hard times, I just pray I remember him in the good times! Merry Christmas to all!
ReplyDelete