This was just like reading my life. Thank you. I lay in my bed, thinking of the son I just sent off to the Army. We cried and cried together before he left because, more than anyone else, he knows. He knows what this will do to me, the pathways of fear and terror it will open up and what that does to my life. He knows how hard I work to get through the paralysis that occurs daily with those same things: sights, smells, sounds, and feelings in general.

But, he has to do it. He is called to it and I, as his mother, will continue to push through, but this time, without him. I am a proud mama, indeed. I am like you, however. We know the way our minds work and those that understand are so few and so valuable. I wish everyone could read this article. Thank you.