Now imagine your whole life wanting that peace, joy and happiness. I’ve witnessed this day in and day out. I have seen my daddy and brother at their highest and at their lowest. I’ve seen their struggle with alcoholism and their inability to relate to others the way they want to.
In the eyes of a PTSD sufferer, they think we don’t care, or listen or understand what they are going through. To them, their world is completely turned upside down and each day, they try their extreme best to make up for their mistakes. To them, it’s like being blind and deaf in a world where they can’t find the words to express what they feel or see what I see.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not perfect. I’ve lashed back on plenty of occasions. I’ve argued and fought, not knowing then how PTSD has impacted their lives. How I show I understand now is by giving and showing them love.
I know that there is not a magic pill to make PTSD go away as quick as a snap of a finger. No, not at all. What I do is love them for who they are and who they are not. I love them so unconditionally that they have no other choice but to say it back! I don’t care if my dad makes a fit if he can’t find his remote or my brother can’t seem to find the way to put his arms around me to hug. I love them so hard they are left with the impression that someone does care about their well-being.
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There’s no other gift that I can find myself giving than the gift of loving my daddy and brother for who they are and who they are not. My daddy gave me the best daddy, and my brother gave me the best brother, and what I can do to return that blessing is by giving them a loving daughter and a loving sister.
Memorial Day is a day to remember the fallen soldiers who have given their lives to protect this country. But let’s not forget those who suffer from their own daily battles. I dedicate this article to my daddy and brother, who are both U.S. Army Veterans, and to those who are caregivers for those who suffer from PTSD.
My Story: “Let’s Not Forget Those Who Suffer From Their Own Daily Battles” was originally published on blackdoctor.org
