Sue Bergeson
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Sometimes I wonder if what we do at DBSA makes enough of a difference. It's a hard job. The pain our peers experience is great, and our resources are limited. It's easy sometimes to become discouraged.
But the other day Donald (not his real name) told me his story, and it's something I'm goi...
ctrygirl
Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 07:22 AM
I can't help but have tears come to my eyes over this story....
It really means so much to have those men put their lives on the line for us each and every day and breaks my heart
when they are mistreated and forgotten or treated as "less than moral" for NOTHING could be further from the truth
.(we as bps know the stigmas the judgements and oh so sympathize)
My daddy was a Marine, my Aunt was a Marine, my husband was in the Army, my family are staunch supporters of the vets....and my precious light source daddy passed away IN a VA hospital just a few short 22 months ago...
The atmosphere of comradere' and respect there was unbelievable, there were children that came in and brought them gifts (ROTC STUDENTS), elderly vets that brought a flower or cheer or just a conversation which was precious to my daddy and me, he was there during Christmas time (right before...died on the 21st) and they actually came around and brought bags of fruit/etc things that they COULD give all hospital patients and it literally brought him to tears as the SALUTED HIM when they left..
..touching....
So many are out of touch of how much these men do for us, how much they are ABLE to do because of these soldiers of all branches.....
when you told of him in the trash cans i literally broke..
..it touched me oh so deeply and I so wanted to reach out and shake his hand, touch his soul, comfort his pain....
I am so glad he found a direction to do that.
..and the ones he is helping...well, i know from experience what that means.
..they don't feel their service is FORGOTTEN as the media seems to have forgotten as has some of the CONGRESS>
..but I say GO GO GO and THANK YOU BEYOND WORDS for i have so many loved ones that are vets and it is encouraging to know that he could overcome that really mindbending, heartwrenching, life dangering and yet mostly volunteer service men that went to Vietnam....I APPLAUD HIM!!!
...(see the hymn of the Marines for details)......
THANK YOU for sharing this on the date of the MARINE CORP BIRTHDAY>>>>
I can literally PICTURE my daddy standing and guarding Heaven's gate.
Thank you for this, it was uplifting and encouraging......
Sincerely
ctrygirl
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Sue
Monday, November 12, 2007 at 05:25 PM
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Rita
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Hi Sue,
Sometimes I find myself at a loss for words... especially with my brother, a vietnam vet - diagnosed with bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance abuse issues, on full disability -- in short, "the works."
But in spite of his (often self-imposed) life challenges, he's always been an inspiration to me. He is deeply spiritual and well-read and in many respects more well rounded than another brother who is the vice president of a major corporation. I've always tried to see what's special and what's good... whether it is family, friends, or peers in our support groups.
I think -- for me -- it is important to always remember that every person is unique - is special - and has a special purpose for being here, that only he or she can really discover and choose to live.
As peers, I think one of the best things we can do is ways to be like Don's friend -- the one who was handing out sandwiches. He saw the need -- and he met it. He offered friendship and encouragement and inspiration... and then he let Don find his own special purpose.
Thanks for sharing Don's story!
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BiPoPastor
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Sue, Trust me, you are doing a world of good! Your site is one of the best out there, and I go to it daily to enjoy it. It has been a great herp to me. Thank you!!
Blessings,
Michael W. McKinney Sr.
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