July 4

[vikingr12]

It's coming and I can feel it.

I know the guys outside the US may not but they can think of their days too that have the same dread and remembrance. I think of July 4 more than Veteran's Day or Memorial Day.

It's the day I finally got out of the hospital and went home. It's become that "measuring day," the say you use to measure your progress year to year.

I guess I have done well. But I still feel like a shell, empty hollow. Not all the time. I wish for those times when I was not.

I usually go out to the base and hang out and watch the air show which may not be there this year. But base theaters are all the same and that's where I would usually hang out when I had the time. The flight line. Base Ops. The hospital.

Now that I think of it, I have done well.

 

[Jimmy1]

The one thing I have learned about anniversaries is to not let yourself fall into a hole.

By all mean have a drink and remember, allow yourself to feel sad even, but don't let guilt join the party.

As for 4th of July fireworks, prepare yourself.

 

[combatgoldfish]

I'm sol this year, I have to stay in the city because I got selected for jury duty on the 5th.

 

[JarHed]

I have a day like that also. It's the day I got wounded the second time. That day more than many others changed my life forever. As with most things, time is the big factor. As the years have rolled by I find that I don't some much dread it but in a way I'm glad that I'm still here to see it. I'm with Jimmy, it's good to have anniversaries but try not to fall into a hole about them.

No matter who you are your desires and goals will always be beyond what you can actually accomplish. I think that's as it should be. It's what keeps us motivated and in the game.

Whether you have PTSD or not life will always be full of challenges both good and bad. Like it or not it's what life is for us all.

 

[vikingr12]

One point: the hard part of PTSD are the "peripheral" disorders that come with it, like depression and anxiety. It's hard to remember to let them go their course because it's all part of the disorder and it will pass.

Yeah, don't fall into a hole is a good way to say it.

 

[Jimmy1]

One point: the hard part of PTSD are the "peripheral" disorders that come with it, like depression and anxiety. It's hard to remember to let them go their course because it's all part of the disorder and it will pass.

Your right there Viking. When depression and anxiety strike, I try and work out why they are appearing rather than letting them run their course as you say it. My therapist said at one stage I used to get Anxious about being Anxious and even more Depressed about being Depressed. If you know what I mean.

 

[Spock]

I have a day like that also. It's the day I got wounded the second time. That day more than many others changed my life forever.

Reminded me of recently when the actor James Gandolfini died, his public efforts to support vets were in the news. Some of the vets talked about "alive days" to celebrate living. They spoke about previously falling down on those days by focusing on them with negative titles. Now they try a more positive approach.

 

[JarHed]

I haven't always been glad that I survived. As time has gone on I've learned what a gift this life can be. It's just a matter of perception. I often don't know why I'm still around but more often than not I glad I am.

It's sad about James Gandolfini. It just goes to show that you can appear to have it all and it doesn't matter. Life can end in an instant. You just never know.