I am a caregiver to a wounded warrior who sacrificed his safety and health for Americans’ freedoms. I have sacrificed, as well. My husband returned from Afghanistan severely wounded ten years ago. As my husband’s caregiver, and since his return, I resigned from a ten-year teaching career. Uncertain about the future, I relocated with him three times post-injury, and like so many other military families,…
War Changes Lives: A Military Caregiver's Journey
My Wordpress BlogAbout a week ago, I informed you all of my official invitation to interview with Dave the Caregiver, on his blog talk radio show. I am excited to share that this interview’s recording is available! Thank you Dave Nassaney of The Caregiver’s Caregiver, for this wonderful opportunity to share my story with your audience! I am humbled and grateful to share that this interview will soon…
Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day? On July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day by observing the birth of the U.S. and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which sets forth the freedoms that signify “… life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” During these occasionally unsettled times, America continues to represent and fight bravely for these freedoms both at home and abroad. They are the…
As a combat medic, my husband, Leonard, served nobly through sweat and tears. He deployed to the Gulf twice – Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia – and performed countless acts to save his comrades. On Memorial Day, we honor those many soldiers who, like the comrades my husband fought so hard to save, lost their lives in battle. I am fortunate to have my husband. He returned home,…
As a military caregiver for my husband for over 6 years, I have gotten to know many other military caregivers through my advocacy work as a Caregiver Dole Fellow, my contributions to the online community team of Military Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) on behalf of military caregivers, and other activities related to caregiving across the US. I have come to deeply value these caregivers as colleagues…
May 8–May 9, 2016 I experienced moments that will stay with me throughout my entire lifetime. Honored as part of the Presidential Delegation at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, I had a chance to attend the Opening Ceremony as well as some of the Games! The 2016 Presidential Delegation consisted of me, along with four others who have made significant contributions to the…
Are you caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with PTSD and/or TBI? There are many programs that can help your loved ones learn to live with PTSD and that offer you coping skills and relational techniques to help you and your loved one live with the injuries of war. These programs fall into a number of categories, all of which might…
I would like to introduce you to my husband Leonard, who I usually call Lenny. I met him while doing my laundry at a coin laundromat in Atlanta in 2000— imagine that?! We were both doing our laundry. On this Sunday afternoon, I walked past him toward the dryer section, with my 7-year old niece on my heels. Lenny stops me and says “Hey,…