Retreating Forward

After working the early morning hours of Independence Day, I was able to take a day off to recharge and retreat from the surroundings that have significantly challenged and impacted my life. Brief escapes are truly healthy and needed to keep from getting drawn into a depressed state that can be overwhelming. Constant snapshots of what is seen play out daily in my mind and in the minds of others, not to mention the assault on all the other senses. So, to cope and process effectively, we all must make sure we are taking care of ourselves and each other. My deployed family survives because we are dependent on each other for critical support and deep understanding.
I welcomed home 3 more fallen service members since my last post. I found joy in speaking to a 16yr old daughter of a fallen soldier, who loved talking about her new car. She was amazingly strong and supported both he mother and brother during the Dignified Transfer of her dad. I was saddened, however, as each comforting word that she offered to her mother was ignored or scoffed at. She gently rolled her eyes, thought deeply and tried again. When we exited the transport, I walked closely by her and told her what an amazing young lady she was and that she was quite strong considering all things. I tried to comfort her by letting her know that all people process and cope with grief differently. She just needed to be patient with her mom and brother. In time, they would find peace and begin the healing process.
A.J.came home today as well. He served proudly in the US Army. His dad, a Gulf War veteran, and family arrived and shared stories of his life. A.J. was a very bright young man. He max'd his SAT score and was eligible to attend West Point, but he turned them down to immediately serve his country in this time of war. I spent time with A.J. yesterday to honor him and ensure his processing went smoothly.
Retreating forward is simply the process of stepping back to meditate and pray for God's strength, wisdom, and the peace that only He can provide, which reaches beyond all that we understand. Without those spriritual elements and His presence in my midst, I know I could not move forward and keep pace with the tsunami of responsibilities I share.

Dignified Transfers witnessed (6)