Forever Searching Posted August 4, 2005 Posted August 4, 2005 This might be an unusual coping topic but I'm wondering if anyone else around the forum is dealing with the issue of handling a loved one(s) in Iraq? I have a cousin there who will be back next month along with another friend of his/mine. I also have a new boyfriend that has to leave very soon. (All Marines) I just am so frustrated and angry and sad and depressed all at the same time. I have such mixed emotions about all of this. The worst part of it all is that by the time the boyfriend gets back the cuz and the friend have to leave again and vice versa. It just seems like I always have to wonder and worry about someone that is over there. It's been very hard lately with the week that they have had there I keep feeling like I"m going to have anxiety attacks and I dread hearing the news. Any thoughts or words of encouragement?
JPMorgan Posted August 4, 2005 Posted August 4, 2005 Do an internet search for Military Support Group or Families of the Military and see what you find. It's painful and scary and humbling and proud at the same time. Kudos to your family and friends who are serving -- there are lots of us who are proud of them, believe in what they are doing, and are in awe of their strength and grace to fight for our country and for us. Hug 'em all and pray for our success as soon as posible. All we can do is wait, pray, send them our love (and brownies are appreciated too!) and support each other here. Help those who have lost a loved one; and hold tight to those who are fearful. Show your support with a flag in front of your house and a bumper sticker (or magnet) and volunteer along with others to help support them.
Polyana Posted August 5, 2005 Posted August 5, 2005 Having one person out there is enough..what you have is just becoming second nature huh? I can't say any more than what JPMorgan has already said. It hurts and its scary, but there is also this pride that comes with it. I've had two close ones out ther, though in non-military duties, and with other sorts/levels of risks. You just need to try and visualise what it is out there, get them to try and talk about the nice side, the comradary, and always always talk to them as though you would be seeing them tomorrow, and as though they just left yesterday. Don;t let the worrying and longing for them show too much, just enough to make them feel special. Otherwise, believe me, it affects them, and they don't need that. And most importantly, you should remember that out of the thousands of troops there, what you see on the news is a fraction. The rest of our boys (British), yours (US I assume?) and the rest, are doing what they feel, believe or have to, do. Yes, they face risks every minutes of every day, but they also get things done, they sit and play cards, they lie down and remember you, they talk about you and compare stories, they complain about crappy food, they make jokes (dark and nasty sometimes , but they laugh...and live a little... You do the same, share with them when you can, and set your mind on EXPECTING them to come home...not anything less warm than that. Alright? Now...that's better ) x P.
Author Forever Searching Posted August 5, 2005 Author Posted August 5, 2005 Thank you both for your kind words. I appreciate it more than you'll ever know.
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