Today, we have a special guest blog from Ms. Carla Lois, “Some Solider’s Mom.” Her blog entry, entitled “Bridge Builders,” discusses her son’s transition from War Veteran to Civilian Life. Her blog is featured on PBS/Point of View: Regarding War. The first conversation section is titled “Coming Home: Veterans Readjusting to Civilian Life.” Contributors share their own stories, offer insights on the challenges facing returning veterans, and provide tips and resources on the kinds of support that families, friends and communities can offer veterans. Below is an excerpt from Carla’s post.
When my son visited the VA hospital for his first physical evaluation, the only other person in the tiny waiting area besides him and me was a wizened man, whose skin was deeply creased like the soft leather of an old flight jacket. He looked to be in his 70s and “Korean War Vet” was embroidered on the hat in the chair next to him. Four chairs separated the older and younger veteran.
After a while, the old man turned in his seat and asked in a deep, rich voice, “You a vet?”
“Yes, sir,” my son replied.
“Iraq?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Were you wounded?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What happened?”
My son remained silent for a moment before turning back, “Well, I was blown up a dozen or more times…but that thousand pounds of C-4 in a yellow dump truck got me.”
The old man gave a tiny nod of his head and then thrust his hand at my son. “Fair enough,” he said.
They shook hands… the handshake of reluctant members of a brotherhood no one wants to join. A handshake and a nod signaling the bridge between generations was — painfully — open.
To read Carla’s entire entry and more submissions, visit here.
