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by Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D

 

Now that we’re well into the New Year, and thinking about moving forward into a year of fresh beginnings. Remembering and preserving old friendships, being aware and grateful for an abundance of goodness, people, health and purposeful work that occupy our days can offer a sense of optimism. Yet, most important, having a richness of love in our lives – love of family (yes, even those that sometimes drive us nuts), love (and loss) of endearing pets, love of neighbors and friends, and love of something within and above us that help to guide us through the darkness.

For some that light may be almost infinitesimal dim.  Bob Woodruff, a well-known journalist and author who suffered a devastating brain injury from an IED while covering the military in Iraq wrote in his book “In an Instant“, “First you must touch the black and then go back up to the light.” It was his way of “acknowledging that you have to let the fear in, but to dwell on the fear will only cripple you. You need to move back into a world of hope.”

 

There is no denying that 2017 was a year of great challenges and loss for many, and 2018 hasn’t been easier with the recent death of our beloved service dog, Bailey. Family members, treasured pets and very dear friends are no longer with us. Saying goodbye has never been easy even when we recognize that it is for the best (at least for that loved one).

However, we are trying hard to center on the plentiful blessings in our lives. The old saying, “It is just as easy to focus on being positive as it is to be negative”, every so often can seem like a big bowl of crap.  Advice to the reader – listening can be more important than trying to comfort an individual by making comments such as “Suffering builds character”.  I’ve never believed that old cliché.  I think suffering reveals character more than builds it. Sometimes, we simply need to allow ourselves and others to grieve, to be sad, and to nurture our physical and emotional selves.

Nonetheless, I still believe that life is worth the time to live fully and with resolve.  I still believe that most people are generous and decent.  I still believe that compassion trumps unkindness and hate generates more cruelty in a world already filled with too much bitterness.  I still believe that truth is more important than ever to counteract the deceit and false narratives of which others try to convince us. And, more than ever, I still believe in hope, for without hope it would be hard to wake up each morning with a sense of joyfulness.

 

Lastly, for our veterans, first responders and their families we wish you a year filled with peace, prosperity, and well-being.

You’ve sacrificed enough.

 

Daily count your blessings and know how precious those special moments can be.

Now it’s time to enjoy an exceptionally amazing New Year.

 

By Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D

Recently I saw the show Thank You for Your Service. It is the true story of four young men and their experiences while serving in combat in Afghanistan/Iraq.  The major narrative of the show focuses on the challenges of trying to reintegrate into civilian life following their military service.  It is a realistic account of life after war of both family and veteran struggles.  For this reason I don’t encourage most veterans to see the film. They, like Tony, have already lived and continued to live with the aftermath of battle. However, for some family members and the broader community, viewing and listening to these young veterans’ stories will give others an accurate description of the sacrifices some have given for our country to preserve our valued freedoms.

I know that the title, Thank You for Your Service, is genuinely meant to honor our military. Yet, it seems so trivial a gesture to merely say “Thank You”. As a nation, as a community, we must all do whatever we can to make sure those who served, both young and old, are taken care of when they return home. Except for Veteran’s Day, too many times we tend to forget the silent suffering of those living in our world after war.

For most Americans it is business as usual, tending to hectic schedules and personal issues that take up our attention – and most of us are guilty of this lapse.

Therefore, take a moment sometime during your busy days, not just to say “Thank You” but to think about how to contribute to the mental and physical health of our veterans. Perhaps you can volunteer at a local veteran hospital or retirement home. There are numerous organizations that need donations such as homeless veteran groups or organizations that train and deliver service dogs to our veterans – just be prudent about which organizations are authentic and which may be scams. Maybe you live next to a veteran/family and can deliver a hot meal, a sweet pastry, or even a card of appreciation. Be proactive.  It is nice to hear the words “Thank You”. It is even better for a veteran or a veteran’s family to actually see and receive the “Thank You” in a specific and thoughtful deed.

If we send them, then we must mend them.

www.tearsofawarrior.com

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Blog by Jon Sutton

 

Author: Travis Pike

Veterans are a unique group of people who face a variety of unique challenges in their lives. As unique as veterans maybe they do share the ability to benefit from an activity as old as civilization. We call it fishing. Here are 5 reasons why Veterans need to get out there and fish more.

Getting Outside

Something as simple as getting outside and in nature can be a major benefit to your psyche and even your body. Getting outside doesn’t just mean walking out of your home, it means actually getting out in nature.

First, you get better air in the countryside than the city. There is no smoke, smog, or ground level ozone to worry about. As a veteran, you may have been exposed to harsh chemicals, and of course burn pits. Fresh air can help reduce the symptoms of most chronic respiratory illnesses.

You’ll also get a healthy dose of sunshine. Sunshine provides you with a blast of vitamin D, a vitamin associated with bone health. The average adult is likely vitamin D deficient, something I learned from my VA Doctor. A little sunshine can go a long way to long lasting health. That being said, don’t forget the sunscreen, you know what they say about too much of a good thing.

Getting Physical

PT it’s good for you and good for me. With almost 80% of the veteran population being obese a little PT can likely go a long way. Most people may think of fishing as sitting in a chair and drinking a beer, but they’d be wrong. There is a big difference in fishing and getting buzzed in a boat.

When you’re fishing you can be involved in any number of strenuous activities, including wading through water, paddling a kayak, and or hiking to a premier fishing location. That’s just to get to you to where you start fishing, from there you start working the shoulder and arms by casting over and over.

Plus, once you get a fish the cardiovascular activity starts as you fight that big boy to the boat or the shore. Watch any fishermen catch a keeper, and look how he sweats and struggles. It may not be as bad a Platoon Sergeant Death Run at 5 a.m. but it’ll get you huffing and puffing.

Relax a Little

Ah, greeting the great outdoors with a fishing pole in one hand a tackle box in the other is an amazing way to relax. Veterans on average face the stress of everyday life, and with a high percentage of veterans facing stress, depression, and anxiety the ability to relax is sacred. Heck, just talking on the phone with the VA is enough to drive you mad.

Fishing has shown to reduce cortisol, a hormone associated with stress by over 30% for up to a month. A study by the University of Maine showed fishing reduced anxiety, stress, fear, and guilt by a substantial amount for up to 3 weeks in combat veterans.

On top of everything fishing reduces, time in the sunshine has proven to release a chemical known as serotonin. The theory is that serotonin improves moods and triggers happy thoughts.

Keeps You Sharp

Young veterans face higher rates of TBI than the average population, which can result in reduced levels of cognitive ability. Let’s not forget that the Vietnam generation has reached an advanced age and with age often comes reduced cognitive function.

Fishing provides stimulation to the brain that engages a wide variety of different senses and forces fishers to use reasoning, and make logical assumptions. Fishing also boosts self-esteem and confidence.

Cause Fish are Delicious

Everyone loves good food, that’s true. This may not be specific to veterans because fish is delicious. Fish is also packed with protein and is low in calories and cholesterol. It’s also full of healthy fats, like Omega 3 acids that help with joint health. Any infantry veteran will tell you their joints suck, so they need all the help they can get.

By Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D.

 

There is nothing more healing than being in nature, especially in the beautiful North Platte River Valley of Saratoga, Wyoming. The town, its people, and several organizations made possible another opportunity for veterans from the Cheyenne VA Hospital to spend three days fishing, golfing, horseback riding, biking, enjoying the hot springs, and of course eating…. lots and lots of eating.

 

This picturesque place is where ten veterans found a few moments of peace and rejuvenation.

Kristi Reuben, the therapeutic recreation director for the Cheyenne VA Medical Center brought her group of combat veterans to Saratoga, making their first stop for a picnic lunch on the Snowy Range Mirror Lake.

Once again, the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort hosted the group where they slept in comfortable, cozy bungalows. Many have never experienced such luxury and spacious surroundings. The mission of every person at the Resort was to take excellent care of their guests and make sure the veterans’ stay was a relaxing and exceptional occasion. On Thursday, Tom and Dixie Arthur invited the group to spend the afternoon and evening at their amazing Upper Cedar Creek Ranch where the veterans were treated to horseback riding, fishing in a beautiful lake setting and indulge in a barbecue of three types of elk sausages and scrumptious elk hamburgers that were a gourmet’s delight. Condiments from Old Baldy Club completed the dinner while desserts were home baked brownies and lemon bars from Sandy Streeter and Carol States’ kitchen. Every year the veterans enjoy the stunning surroundings and spend hours chatting and sometimes even sharing the stories behind their war trauma.

 

 

Offering such a unique event can only transpire when many individuals, organizations, and sponsors come together to provide services, fund raisers, and activities that meet the needs of our wounded warriors. Many volunteers act as guides, chauffeurs, and personal attendants to each veteran. Truly it does take a village to heal our wounded and Saratoga, Wyoming does an amazing job.

 

At the end of this year’s affair one veteran commented to Kristi that “if he died tomorrow he would be happy”. He spent three days soaking in the healing spa waters and rode a horse all the way from the ranch’s corral through green meadows to the top of the mountain for the barbecue. Perhaps this special time of immersing in nature may help our wounded veterans physically and mentally reflect on the healing process and the wondrous power of nature. Perhaps they will be able to recollect the solace of this place where they felt refreshed, safe, and at peace. The power of nature, the power of animals, the power of people and the commitment of a small Wyoming community are the genuine powers behind therapeutic healing.

REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS

By Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D.

Today has been quite special.  We spent the day with hundreds of other veterans and their families along with the community viewing the traveling Vietnam Wall. It is the second time Fort Collins, CO has been honored by the wall’s presence.

For many it will be the only time they are able to see the full list of those who died serving their country in a faraway land known as Vietnam. The cost of all wars is much more than somber. Even today our young men and women continue to serve in similar faraway lands.

Yet, some Americans have forgotten the cost of freedom. As a nation, fewer have served than not served and those who have served their families have also served.  Kinfolk have had to endure the intense anxiety and loneliness of days without a loved one. Nights spent wondering and praying their beloved person is safe.

It is important, not just on Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day, we think about our veterans and their families.  We must think about the sacrifices these individuals have made in behalf of our country and for each of us. We must think about and understand that Freedom is far from free. We need to recognize others have paid a significant price for our liberties; a price that allows the rest of us to enjoy a life of peace, prosperity, and security.  And we need to make sure we live our days in ways that honor the privilege of being able to be in such a great country.

A thank you, also, to our first responders and their families – your daily support makes a huge difference to our cities and communities.

A LONG WAY BACK

by Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D.

Not 100% sure why my husband wanted to go back to Vietnam to the very battle sites that caused such immense pain and trauma. Many years ago we took a cruise to Vietnam and he expressed a desire to return, especially to Nui Ba Den, The Black Virgin Mountain. This was a combat zone where many people were killed and injured and he was a part of one of the worst battles on May 13, 1968.

Several months ago he had an opportunity to sign up for a trip that would arrange for him to visit some of the combat zones in which he fought. The journey would only include a driver, an interpreter, and my husband.  It wasn’t something I was terribly comfortable with at the time. Even our sons were concerned and wanted me to go with him to make sure he would be able to handle the emotional strain of the tour.  However, this wasn’t an option for the group who was arranging the excursions. Many friends and fellow vets questioned why he would ever want to return to a place that caused such extreme trauma. It is not a trip for everyone, but he felt the need to return as part of his healing process.  Somewhat like carrying a huge boil inside your mind and heart. Some doctors say the boil will eventually dissolve.  Some days it was smaller, but others times it grew out of control. The fastest way for many to rid themselves of a boil is to lance it…. relieve the puss and infection and allow it to heal from the inside out. I think that is what Tony is trying to do.  Taking the risky step to “lance” his boil and release some of the ghostly infection that has impacted his heart, mind, and soul for most of his life.

Needless to say as the time grew closer so did both of our anxieties. When President Trump announced his immigration ban it caused an incredible pandemonium across the world, including Visas for Vietnam.  Fortunately, Tony was able to obtain his Visa before this ensued. One of our biggest fears was that he might get over there and not be able to get back home due to unstable world conditions within and between our governments. Every day we waited to see if the trip would be canceled which made the entire visit even more stressful.

Finally the day arrived. I was nervous. He was nervous.  And his service dog, Bailey, was a mess. Poor Bailey could tell something was going on and it wasn’t a happy event. The day Tony left, Bailey sat at the front door and cried, then wandered the house as if I hid Tony somewhere.  It was going to be a very long ten days.

I won’t go into much detail but after a 36 hour grueling flight he arrived, extremely tired yet ready to begin his quest of finding peace and solace from the demons that have haunted him for almost fifty years. The last few days have been episodes of ups and downs. Times when I’m sure he questioned what in the heck he was doing so far from home without his immediate support systems.  All of us here were equally apprehensive.  I will let Tony relate his story once he is ready. For me and our sons, we will be relieved once he is back home, safe and sound.

As for Bailey, I can’t imagine how ecstatic he will be when he finally can stop sitting at the front door or checking the house for Tony’s presence. For me, I may miss the numerous extra walks we do daily to keep him occupied – I’m losing pounds but my legs are aching. Maybe I’m not losing that much weight – after some of our outings I stop and treat myself to a large Chai Ice Cream Chiller (better than Prozac) … then take several doggie treats to reward this faithful, but wearisome pooch.

These last ten days have been emotionally charged and physically exhausting for everyone. Making such a life passage really is a long way back but necessary in order to make a restored long trip home.

by Tony Seahorn

 

We often talk and write about spending time in nature as an important element of the healing process.

For those with Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD or more accurately PTS), finding solace in natural places helps us realize and appreciate the marvelous wonders of the world.

Following is a link to an article that appeared this weekend in Parade Magazine worth reading.

Living in awe…

Feeling Awe May Be the Secret to Health and Happiness

 

 

By Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D.

(Photos and pilgrimage credit: Diggs Brown)

 

How many of you know about the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage?  It is a five hundred mile walk from Southern France to Spain, but it can take many different routes. “The Way of St. James” was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages, together with those to Rome and Jerusalem, and a pilgrimage route on which a plenary indulgence could be earned;^[3]other major pilgrimage routes include the Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Legend holds that St. James‘s remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain, where he was buried on what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela.

The Way can take dozens of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally, as with most pilgrimages, the Way of Saint James began at one’s home and ended at the pilgrimage site. However, a few of the routes are considered main ones. During the Middle Ages, the route was highly travelled. However, the Black Death, the Protestant Reformation, and political unrest in 16th century Europe led to its decline. By the 1980s, only a few pilgrims per year arrived in Santiago. Later, the route attracted a growing number of modern-day pilgrims from around the globe. In October 1987, the route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe; it was also named one of UNESCO‘s World Heritage Sites.                   ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago)”

One of our friends, a veteran who served in Iraq, is currently on the arduous Camino journey. He began in France and is expected to take at least a month to complete the mission. On the first day of his walk, seventeen miles, resulted in some pretty ghastly blisters on his heels. Not a good way to start such a lengthy trek. Yet, in spite of the pain, foot sores, and body aches he continued his travel. The reason for taking such a quest is a personal objective of which the pilgrim only knows. He may or may not have a specific reason for going through this venture. It may be finding some external spiritual enlightenment. It may be finding answers to questions regarding life that he is still forming.

For him the reason isn’t as important as the path he is traveling, He is finding his own Way as he walks each step. Some days he says he’s content to be able to empty his mind and observe the scenery, the quiet, the road only as it appears. Perhaps by doing so, he is able to release some of the anxiety, demons, we all seem to collect throughout our life; for him especially his time in Iraq. What is crucial to this endeavor is principally the act of the doing. He is open to find whatever he finds.

Perhaps this is the essence of any real journey/challenge… the willingness to not fully know or even expect a certain outcome, but the ability to merely accept whatever may come forth and acquire gratitude for whatever may ensue.

I’m not sure I would be able, brave enough or even want to engage in such a venture. It would take a tremendous amount of stamina and trust to do so. Our friend in one of his comments talked about an 84 year old man who is on his fifth Camino. Amazing, humbling, and truly commendable. Today he is more than half way through his quest. We are eager to hear more about his amazing experience and we say a prayer every day for his safety and well-being.

Thank you Diggs, for sharing your remarkable travels with us. We hope this trip brings you everything you may or may not have imagined. Be well. Be at peace. And return home soon with Arthur where you both are missed.

 

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