P.T.S.D.

P.T.S.D.

PUTTING THE STORY DOWN

by

SAUNDRA T. RUSSELL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PTSD...
CONQUERING YOUR BATTLE WITHIN THROUGH YOUR KNOWLEDGE UNIVERSITY IN THIS YOUR SELF HELP WORKBOOK…

««««««« (OPPORTUNITY + PERSEVERANCE = SUCCESS)«««««««

I am not a veteran, I have treated veterans as a registered nurse for many years as a nurse. I thoroughly feel very privileged for the ability to help this awesome population – our heroes. Now, I want to help in a unique way – writing your story and getting it outin a poetic form.

I understand suffering—I have been living with diagnoses of Fibromyalgia (1975), MS (2001), chronic sciatica with the related physical pain and dyslexia. With the related physical pain, I found some relief and comfort in writing poetry. At times, I have so much pain and discomfort that I want to compose a poem fast. So I developed a fast way to get my thoughts down (STaR*KU).

Hello, my name is Saundra aka STaR (my initials). I am a registered nurse, registered dietitian nutritionist, member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (with a Master’s degree from NYU), certified image consultant and I am a multi award winning, published poet. ‘MY MOST MEMORABLE VETERAN’ poem is one of these.

I worked with veterans at VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HOSPITALS for 19 of my 43 healthcare working years. I enjoy working with veterans and I want to ‘give back’ to this population who mean so very much to me - our HERO’s. Please accept my invitation to attend MY KNOWLEDGE UNIVERSITY and write your ‘MY*KU’s.

Married to husband Peter, Saundra is in the Poetryfest Hall of Fame despite having lifelong dyslexia.

MY MOST MEMORABLE VETERAN

NOTE: This is a true scenario; therefore, it has numerous quotes.)
It was the middle of a late December night
The full moon shone; but there was nary a light.
It was around 3AM, in the still of the night
I was making rounds to see that everything was alright
When out of the darkness and deepest quiet
I heard “Help me, someone help me”
A frail voice broke, as if in a riot.
I realized it was Major in bed 44B
I hastened down the long dark hall
It was a 40 bed medical unit on the south of the 12th oor To reach this veteran ...Wow! He did stand tall
I got to his room, he was waiting at the door
“Help me, help me”, he cried out again
“The enemy has come and captured my men” This veteran with PTSD was having a ashback He was concerned about Jim and John and Jack
He needed to and wanted to talk it out
His voice was full of terror, yet it did have clout
I listened to his story of the war he had fought He had many questions, and answers he sought
I gathered a few of the vets, who were awake Together we listened and laughed at our mistakes. Mistakes at realizing answers were not to be had We resolved nothing and it was so sad
I assured Major I’d put in a request
For him to have a morning consult with one of the best The best Provider to help with his PTSD and more
This veteran said he would be OK, he was sure
1
He then asked if I would pray with him
Not for his welfare; but, for that of his friends
He said “On the battle eld they lived and died But ‘memories’ were on their brains forever fried”
He said the prayers would heal them all
For him, it meant he could always stand tall
Stand tall to salute the red, white and blue
Stand tall for the freedom won for me and for you