Wtf Here We Go Fellas!!! "canadian Soldier Dies After Suspected Islamic Radical’s Car Attack".

[LIllabeth]

It has been a harrowing week here in Canada with two of our own struck down by home-grown terrorists for simply wearing their uniform in public. I am not ashamed to admit that I have wiped away my share of tears and struggled with my PTSD.

Some of you know I work with homeless veterans, most of whom have untreated PTSD, and yesterday's events in Ottawa - large groups of heavily armed police officers directing them to safer areas in the down town core, having a soldier shot and killed at the national war memorial, has exasperated their symptoms. I have worked with the ones I could reach, and tried to arrange for the shelters to provided emergency counselling but am unsure they will follow through. If any of you are praying folks, that would be appreciated. This maybe isn't the place to say all of this but I needed to vent -the homeless veterans are people too, this incident occurred really in their living room, their office space, their backyard and it shouldn't be this hard for me to convince people that they need this assistance :(

I have included a a copy of an editorial cartoon that appeared in a Canadian newspaper. It depicts the marble soldiers carved on the national war memorial coming to life and taking up the young Cpl that was shot and killed there yesterday

 

[atilla]

Lillabeth, what can I do to help?

 

[LIllabeth]

Atilla, thank you so much for offering to help! If you could just perhaps let me know what you honestly think - am I wrong and being too much of a mother hen with my homeless vets? The ones I spoke to yesterday said they were overly agitated, felt the need to arm themselves, felt threatened...... But I could only connect with a few........

 

[Kaishi]

If I may, Lillabeth, I don't think there's anything like being 'too much' of a mother hen. Was anyone able to tell you what they'd need, what you can do (can and would be welcome in the situation) for them?

 

[Spock]

That is heart-wrenching Lillabeth, your sorrow comes through the pages. Thank you for sharing real insight from there. I would guess most of us care more about our own so your feelings are certainly justified especially since this is your passion. This situation certainly gives you an opportunity to engage more with them. Most of them may not have sought any therapy yet so you are likely farther along than they are and can move them toward seeking treatment.

 

[Spock]

...... But I could only connect with a few........

my goal is always just to stop one brother or sister from ending their life, so, if I may, your first goal could be to connect with just one and then anything else is wonderful

 

[atilla]

When something like this happens Lillabeth, it's gut wrenching to us everywhere. I left work early yesterday, I couldn't get what happened out of my head, the rage and the thought of not being able to help in any way. We need support in the way you're doing it. We need to feel like there is someone out there that cares about us. Please don't stop the Mother Hen, its good to know you care. Thanks for everything you do for us. I was homeless for a couple of years when I first come back, so I know what having someone care about you on the street means. Thank you Lillabeth..keep up the fight, and if there is anything i can do, let me know. :)

 

[LIllabeth]

I am not anyone's hero, but the vets on the street are my troops now - they know my org and together we take pretty good care of them. I have a fantastic team who deserve 99% of the credit. I am just the hugger lol

 

[LIllabeth]

We have been able to get them new over coats as many wear military kit and group sessions at the shelters to discuss safety strategies and how they are not alone. We will continue to work with our community partners and the vets themselves to bring their stress levels down and of course plenty of hugs

 

[atilla]

If i can send clothes to my Brothers, would that help?

 

[atilla]

Pm me with an address.

 

[LIllabeth]

Bless you for your very kind offer!!! We have the clothing we need for the moment and postage to Canada would cost you an arm and a leg. I am sure your local VFW would certain appreciate them though