Tales from the Dark Side.

This is not my usual kind of post. But I had to share it. I went to the VA today to sort out the Health Ducks that have been nibbling at me for the last few months. Don't worry- I am fine. Still under warranty.

But I met a young man (forty years old) who was blown up in a Humvee a decade or so ago. He has (as you can imagine) shrapnel wounds, TBI, Closed Skull injuries, and a host of side effects that range from mild- to never ending.

Our conversation covered pain management - mobility, and flare ups that can last hours, or even days. Then he told me some things I really had to think about...in fact, I still am.

Here is just one of the things that Soldier told me:

"You know, you Vietnam Era guys had that Animals song as your Anthem. You wanted to get back to the "World."

(I think he meant : We gotta get out of this place.)

My generation has different songs. If you have been deployed twice, or more- then your Anthem is by White Buffalo, and it is called: "The Whistler."

I just listened to it before coming on here to post this conversation...and man, that song is scary. It rips your heart out to know that it resonates with so many Post 9/11 Service members. And I bet if Vietnam Vets listen to it, well, they will understand too. I listened to the Animals song too. Just like he said- much different vibe.

He told me that once you get that second Deployment under your belt, you fit better in War than you do in Civilian Life. He goes to meetings once a month for his Mental Health. He has a stress dog, does yoga (which he said is actually pretty theraputic) and is learning to meditate.

He says meditation is difficult for him, because when he empties his mind...to many thoughts rush in to fill the void. I gave him a hug and we went our separate ways.

I wanted him to be healthy, and I was filled with gratitude for two things: that the Whistler Song isn't for me- and that Heroes like him, continue to battle to have a life after war. The war doesn't end just because you came home.

I hope someday...peace is the common denominator.