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General My Son Is In Afghanistan - I Am Terrified

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Kathy

MyPTSD Pro
Oh dear well I feel peculiar posting this here, it is not exactly pertaining to PTSD. My son Travis is in Afghanistan for a short while. He is a pilot. Today when we heard the news that 6 more Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan, I nearly fainted. I have been a military wife for 35 years, and three of my sons joined their father in the military, so I usually take such news in stride. However all my bravado has disappeared of late. I suppose it is largely due to the recent death of my son Brian, which I still have trouble speaking about.

Thankfully Travis is all right, he rung me and of course he was not one of the men killed. However I can't seem to shake my fear of him being there. I am very worried for him this evening, and can't sleep. I don't think I was ever this frightened, even when Jim was shot in Croatia years ago! I am not certain what else to say, only I wanted to write it here, perhaps just writing it will make me feel slightly better. Needless to say I am counting the days until Travis' return.
 
Oh Kathy, I'm so glad to hear your son is okay. I've been thinking of you and your family since I heard that news today.

I don't think it's surprising that this time around would be more difficult for you. A person can take just so much stress and loss, especially in such a short period of time.

Wish I knew what else to say except take care of yourself.
 
Thank you hodge, I so appreciate your words of support. It is very kind of you to have thought of us today. There really is nothing more you could say than what you have, I simply must calm myself. However as I say it is becoming more difficult of late. Honestly I wish Canada would pull out of Afghanistan completely! We have lost so many promising young men there, and the death toll continues to rise weekly and sometimes daily.

I believe I will sign out and spend some time with Evie. She is not sleepy and is getting ready to watch a film, a comedy, so I will watch with her and hopefully feel more myself.
 
You have had a lot to deal with lately Kathy. It is understandable why the news would have upset you.
Glad to hear Travis is well.
Enjoy the movie hope you get a big belly laugh or two watching it, you deserve it & I'll throw in a big hug because I can!
 
Thank you Jodee and ryair. I do feel rather foolish this morning as things appear to have righted themselves. The movie was the height of silliness, very juvenile, not my type of humour by any means. However watching Evie and Jacob enjoying it was enough to cheer me. I must say I felt a touch of sadness for Evie, it was quite simple for me to get out of my state of mind. It occurred to me suddenly, it's not so simple for her.

Speaking of Evie, she has decided she wishes to visit her father's grave, for the first time. She is going today with Jim, and I am going as well. Better I go along than stay home and mope. It's a few hours from here so it will take most of the day. I do hope it helps her. Another big step for her, for which we are always proud.
 
Kathy,

Stress on top of stress is enough to get to anyone. No need to feel foolish for writing your feelings. It surprised me so much when I started writing that it actually helps. I hope that expressing yourself helped you, too.

After getting out of the army, I became an army wife. Quite a bit of difference being on the other side of the fence. Things that never caused me a moment's worry while I was in were the things that I would fret about after I got out. Not knowing about a loved one is so tough.

Glad to hear y'all enjoyed the movie. Goofy movies are sometimes the best for a laugh and a mood lifter.

Sending thoughts to the family for the trip to today.

Lisa
 
Take care of yourself Kathy. That is a lot of stress to deal with. Also, this section is for YOUR support whether that be due to a PTSD issue or not. I think it's very appropriate to have this thread here.

Hope your funny movie made you both giggle lots!

bec
 
Glad you're feeling better Kathleen. Don't know what I'd do without my Kathleen. :-) Must guiltily admit, Travis didn't enter my mind at all when I heard the news. Suppose that's my training. Agree with what everyone has said - you, we - have been through much lately. Can't always be superwoman my dear.

Jim.
 
Can't always be superwoman my dear.

No? Not even if Evie draws me that way? :tongue:

Thank you everyone. Of course you are all correct in saying I should take care of myself. When one is used to taking care of others, it is so terribly easy to forget oneself! Lisa I forgot that you were a military wife as well. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. In any event I am delighted my post was not out of place. I must remember to come here again should there be a next time. Truly I did feel better just from writing it out. I believe I am suddenly understanding why Evie appreciates it so!
 
Hi Kathy what you are feeling is very normal for a Mum especially with so much on your plate, we do forget about ourselves at times dont we?
Glad to hear that your son contacted you to put your mind at ease.
My son informed me that he will probably be going over there in the next 12 months.He is in the Defence Force.
I told him they will need a permission note of me before he goes anywhere:smile:
Jen!
 
My thoughts and prayers are with you.....I think it's harder for mothers when it comes to concern about their children....They carry them for 9 months and have two heart beats inside their bodies all that time....I only get to see my son [only child] every 2 months and that's never enough....If he was in the military and stationed overseas....I'd be crazy with worry as you experience....All I can offer is to try to stay involved in the other aspects of your life....I wish you peaceful dreams tonight.....TODAY PRAYING FOR PEACE IN THE HOPES THAT I WON'T HAVE TO TOMORROW
 
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