I just joined the forum a few weeks ago as a Carerer. I came across this site while searching for information about PTSD. (I knew nothing before finding the forum!) My BF was diagnosed two years ago and we've just been together for a few months. It's been quite a whirl wind! I wasn't very sure if I could or even wanted to be involved with someone with PTSD, but have since found the information and support that I needed to make that decision.
We are still together and doing very well! I've been blessed to be with a man that is a great communicator. Woo hoo! I know that he will never tell me everything that he has been through (he's told me that numerous times), but the more time that we spend together the more he shares.
We just spent the past 4 nights together AND he met my daughter for the first time. It could not have gone any better! He has two beautiful daughters and we all spent the weekend together. Everyone got along great. MY BF was REALLY nervous about meeting my daughter, but didn't let it show. I know that it was stressful for him and I'm so proud of him for handling it as well as he did.
One of the nights after we had put the girls to bed, we sat up and talked for hours. He showed me pics from his time in Iraq. Some of what he showed me was really amazing and other stuff was just plain disturbing. It was definitely a trigger for him, but he still handled it pretty well.
I took from his cues and sat quietly while he showed me pics of the Humvee he was in that was hit by an IED and flipped over. One of his friends was killed and another lost his eyes in the blast. He also showed me the pics of the blood stains in the inside and pics of the roof that was laden with wholes from the shrapnel (sp). He escaped with one piece of shrapnel in his thigh. He has a small scar as a reminder. He should not have walked away so unscathed. He knows how lucky he is, but lives with the tremendous guilt of why. (There are many more stories...this is just one)
I love him for sharing all this with me. I love him for trusting me and making such an effort to explain his past to me. I wish I could take all of his pain and sadness away, but I can't. All I can do is be there for him when he needs me and not be there when he doesn't.
Sorry to ramble. Just had it all on my mind and had to share....I am greatful for his efforts:Hug_emoticon:.
We are still together and doing very well! I've been blessed to be with a man that is a great communicator. Woo hoo! I know that he will never tell me everything that he has been through (he's told me that numerous times), but the more time that we spend together the more he shares.
We just spent the past 4 nights together AND he met my daughter for the first time. It could not have gone any better! He has two beautiful daughters and we all spent the weekend together. Everyone got along great. MY BF was REALLY nervous about meeting my daughter, but didn't let it show. I know that it was stressful for him and I'm so proud of him for handling it as well as he did.
One of the nights after we had put the girls to bed, we sat up and talked for hours. He showed me pics from his time in Iraq. Some of what he showed me was really amazing and other stuff was just plain disturbing. It was definitely a trigger for him, but he still handled it pretty well.
I took from his cues and sat quietly while he showed me pics of the Humvee he was in that was hit by an IED and flipped over. One of his friends was killed and another lost his eyes in the blast. He also showed me the pics of the blood stains in the inside and pics of the roof that was laden with wholes from the shrapnel (sp). He escaped with one piece of shrapnel in his thigh. He has a small scar as a reminder. He should not have walked away so unscathed. He knows how lucky he is, but lives with the tremendous guilt of why. (There are many more stories...this is just one)
I love him for sharing all this with me. I love him for trusting me and making such an effort to explain his past to me. I wish I could take all of his pain and sadness away, but I can't. All I can do is be there for him when he needs me and not be there when he doesn't.
Sorry to ramble. Just had it all on my mind and had to share....I am greatful for his efforts:Hug_emoticon:.
