Support That Lasts Beyond the Moment
From Anne Marie
A Hearts of Patriots Combat Veteran Spouse
When my husband came home from war, I was entirely unprepared for the invisible wounds that resulted from his deployments. Looking back now, I realize each time he returned; I couldn’t see the changes in him because they were so subtle, almost imperceptible. With two small children to care for, I sometimes didn’t notice the glaring road signs that I see now as hallmarks of PTSD.
Epic Homeric Hero
Living as a PTSD/TBI caregiver is really another side of the hero’s journey that doesn’t get much recognition. I have often thought of my husband as an epic Homeric hero, much like Odysseus, who repeatedly demonstrated his skill and bravery in the fighting before taking the long journey to return home to me.
That story ends when Odysseus returns home to his Penelope, but I always wonder what it was really like for Penelope after he came home.
The myths don’t give us that answer. The fairy tales just end with happily ever after, but we all know it’s not really like that. We have to make our own happily ever after, and it isn’t always easy.
