Hi all. I haven't been around much because I got an opportunity to volunteer with the casualties coming back from Iraq.

What an eye opener! There are hundreds of selfless people working day and night to take care of these guys. Surgery goes on day practically 24 hours a day. As fast as people are discharged, more are admitted.

The patients are all very young, with bullet wounds, damage from RPG's and shrapnel. And get this - these guys can hardly wait to get treated and go back to Iraq!

Contrast this scene with my WH and OW. They are so into themselves, they have forgotten everyone else. It is sad.

The last week has been the most uplifting and rewarding of my life, just seeing some good and honorable people. From the troops to the nurses, doctors, corpsmen and volunteers, these are folks who know they were put on earth for a purpose. They are not all about "feeling good".

It really makes me realize how empty the lives of WS's are.

God Bless your kind soul, believer! Our boy, Jameson, [my step son] is over there in Baghad in the green zone and we worry so much about him. He got to come home on leave in October and, to my amazement, was anxious to get back! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> He is very dedicated to his mission, which makes us so proud.

You are a doll! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Melody -

This has been so good for me. It has changed my whole perspective. After months and months of going through this crap, I can finally be around people who are doing something with their lives. It has been very refreshing.

I still hear from WH from time to time, but just feel pity for him. The whole world is moving on and there are battles to be fought and principles to stand up for. What an empty life to just be concerned with your own happiness. <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" />

believer,

Thanks for your fine care to our men and women in the service. Wish these heroes best of luck in their recovery from the people of MB forums. They definitely need to be in our prayers.

Perspective, perspective, perspective.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Cymanca:
<strong> believer,

Thanks for your fine care to our men and women in the service. Wish these heroes best of luck in their recovery from the people of MB forums. They definitely need to be in our prayers.

Perspective, perspective, perspective. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">ditto this post. Than You Believer <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Cymanca:
Perspective, perspective, perspective. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">~amen~

Pep

believer, you just keep showing us how amazing you are. it takes someone special to do what you've done and what you've gained from 'everything'.

Brown

Thanks all. This has been the best thing for me. When I first volunteered, I was very uneasy. But when I showed up the first day, there was so much to do, that I just fit right in.

Mainly I sat at the nurse's station and answered the phone. There were many people calling to talk to their loved ones, or see if their loved ones were at our hospital.

The second day, I figured out the computer, and helped with that. After that I walked around the floor to see who needed pain meds, water, talking, or whatever.

The whole thing has changed me. My WH is nothing to me now. I have moved on and seen some of the higher points in life.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to empty their bedpan. That works for me.

Believer,

I'm glad that you are enjoying your volunteer work, it's always a good thing when it becomes such a learning experience.

Just wanted to say that I'm amazed how much I learn from your posts. Even kind of OT ones like these. I guess you have a way with words and connecting dots..

believer:

Never mind the emptiness of the WS lifestyle.

We are proud and grateful for YOU.

One of my son's friends visited for a couple of days before he shipped out 2 Iraq. I told him 2 keep his head down and know that we're thinking of him and his buddies and what they're doing over there.

I don't EVER want 2 see the treatment some of the Vietnam vets got when they re2rned home, ever again.

best,
-ol' 2long

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by believer:
<strong> ...What an eye opener! There are hundreds of selfless people working day and night to take care of these guys...

...The last week has been the most uplifting and rewarding of my life, just seeing some good and honorable people. From the troops to the nurses, doctors, corpsmen and volunteers, these are folks who know they were put on earth for a purpose. They are not all about "feeling good". </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">believer,

It really restores your faith in humanity to get away from the bull pucky of the WS/OP and meet some truly loving, selfless, serving, moral, honorable people--doesn't it?? For a while, I lost my faith in male-kind because of the way I was treated, etc. but then I met some nice, thoughtful, just plain KIND men who were locksmiths--hardworking men who loved their families and would go out of their ways to help people. Now I know--and you do too--that there really ARE spiritual, wonderful, selfless people out there and your standards aren't "unrealistic."

believer, thank you so much for caring for our service men! It is so giving and loving of you, and I wanted you to know that you never cease to amaze me. You've come a long way baby!!


CJ

Hi Believer, Just a note to say hi and amen. You truly are a "hero." You are helping others and giving so freely of yourself with kindness and care. What an investment in the karma bank!

I was thinking of you this weekend because I was feeling a little down and I remembered some of your messages about fixing up your house. It was an inspiration to me. A light over the computer desk has been broken so I installed a new one...no H to help me..just did it myself. Wow...high self esteem.

On a more serious note, I also believe in giving of my time and my spirit. This M stuff is bad alright, but nothing compared to some of the problems out there. I was feeling down about Thanksgiving...H is out of the country...no one to be with. So I am going to serve Thanksgiving dinner to the less fortunate. I'll be working from 10 to 3 and hope to pass many blessings and random acts of kindness to others.

Thanks for your always inspiring insight. Happy thanksgiving to you and many thanks for the grace you bring others especially those on the MB board. God bless. ss

How can one volunteer, believer?

Brown and I were talking about you over the weekend, and you really never cease to amaze us as to what a human being you really are! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

One thing that you said--and as short and sweet as you are( <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ), you always have a point. "Connect the dots""into perspective" pretty much sums it up.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I have moved on and seen some of the higher points in life.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">So profound, especially considering you've found so much life out of so much despair, pain, hurt. Quite profound.

{{{believer}}}

Please make sure you take of yourself too, K? Can't help others if you're not healthy yourself. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

God bless you and all others serving our country in every capacity.

AM -

How can one volunteer? Just show up at the hospital, I guess.

I work as a project manager at the hospital in already, so it was easier for me.

Mainly I do everything I can to free up the doctors and nurses to take care of the patients. It is not glamorous (emptying urinals and bedpans anyway) but sooooooooo rewarding.

I love you Believer!!!!!!

Meeting, even thru cyberspace, people like you are what makes getting up in the morning worthwhile.

((((BIG, MONDO, HUGGY SQUEEZES BELIEVER))))

- Kimmy