A note from author, and daughter, Quynn Elizabeth-
My father was able to come home from Viet Nam, but his experience did not leave him. Over thirty years after his return, he still struggled with alcohol, depression and self-inflicted guilt. Only after his death was I able to see into his life by looking through his writings and papers. Since he never spoke to his family about his experiences in war, I appreciated the opportunity to see more clearly why his life was the way it was, and why my family broke apart. In order to deal with my feelings of loss, I wrote a little book to others like me. What came of it was this book.
If I have one message for any veteran, or someone who loves a veteran, it is this- It is normal to have emotional reactions to trauma and stress experienced during war-related tours of duty. One is not weak who cannot “just get on with life”. Seek out help. As I say in my book, “You Have to Demand the right to heal.”
If I have one message for any veteran, or someone who loves a veteran, it is this- It is normal to have emotional reactions to trauma and stress experienced during war-related tours of duty. One is not weak who cannot “just get on with life”. Seek out help. As I say in my book, “You Have to Demand the right to heal.”