Sunday, May 13, 2012

REPOST: Motherhood On Life's Terms

Super Soul Sundays on the Oprah Winfrey Network are a highlight of my week.
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.

Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.

Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!

My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."

And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.

No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.

I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.

If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.
Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3

I love my Joshua and Jonathan They Are Loved and Missed



When I learned that the military was assigning personality disorders to traumatized women, like they did me; ending rape victims careers, instead of holding perpetrators accountable, like they did to me; over medicating many servicemembers, who then became suicidal, like I was; that family courts commonly rule against Protective Mothers who are seeking to protect their children, even taking them away from the mother, and handing custody over to the abusing parents/family members, never to see mom again, like they did with us; I am reminded that the truth can never be altered or changed, and justice will be served. Happy Mothers Day to you and yours, whether, in heart, in memory, or in person. Its all the same, the love is the same. It is the ultimate blessing.

I love my sons.

Today and forever more.





Saturday, May 12, 2012

April Kauffman Remembered For Activism In Veterans’ Affairs

Woman Warrior of Influence Murdered (Story Courtesy of Inquirer)

PTSD Affects Personal Accountability

Our culture puts a high value on personal accountability, self determination etc. It's one of the most difficult aspects of gaining support when struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When a loved one, friend or colleague is let down due to forgetfulness, tardiness, absent mindedness, triggers or mental blocks, the potential to damage the fundamental relationship is very high. These benchmark aspects of interacting with each other provide a structure and foundation so that collaboration can take place between people and groups. Without the ability to play by these rules, a PTSD sufferer is at a clear disadvantage. The battle grounds are invisible, but the loss of impact and human potential is very real.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

TRUTH and JUSTICE: Dead Marine's Mom Presents First-Ever Award In Daughter's Memory To Senator John Kerry



"The military is stupid and vindictive. The VA is only stupid." Learn to understand the rules, or you're stuck. -- Susan Avila-Smith, VetWow founder. (Story/photos courtesy of DailyKos)

                                               Rest In Peace Maria Lauterbach

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

President of the United States Spoke Today on Military Sexual Assault

"I applaud the initiatives that Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have announced to further combat sexual assault in the military. The men and women of the United States military deserve an environment that is free from the threat of sexual assault, and in which allegations of sexual assault are thoroughly investigated, offenders are held appropriately accountable, and victims are given the care and support they need. Elevating these cases to a higher level of command review is a very important step. I believe that sexual assault has no place in our military. I thank Secretary Panetta and Chairman Dempsey and look forward to seeing continued progress on this important issue." -- Barack Obama, President of the United States of America
LINK: POTUS Official Statement 4/24/12