tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post3660442437690525012..comments2024-03-28T20:57:55.651-07:00Comments on Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart: Your Dying Spouse 145 - Untied Soul {FMF}Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-88715751849826971922016-04-28T14:07:07.284-07:002016-04-28T14:07:07.284-07:00Andrew, just saying thank you isn't enough, bu...Andrew, just saying thank you isn't enough, but it's all I've got. Thank you!Lara Hosseltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17964555940819890180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-28302739416257623302016-04-28T13:18:48.561-07:002016-04-28T13:18:48.561-07:00Andrew, you're making a difference in the worl...Andrew, you're making a difference in the world by letting people know about this. You are still serving in spite of your physical condition. Thank you.Janet Ann Collinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13234310280477491538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-73447431042838477332016-04-26T17:58:54.054-07:002016-04-26T17:58:54.054-07:00I can't say it any better than Joanne did abov...I can't say it any better than Joanne did above. Thank you for what you've sacrificed for me. I often think of that Orwell quote and am appreciative that there are people willing to do the work you have done so I can live my comfortable life.<br /><br />It's pathetic that the media doesn't complain that service dogs for people with seizures don't 'prevent' those patients from recovering and I'm sure even they realize it would be ridiculous to suggest that seeing eye dogs prevent the blind from making progress.<br /><br />I've been considering becoming a puppy raiser for a service dog organization. I think they let the foster parents name the dog. I'd be honored if you'd like to provide a suggestion. I think it can't be a human name and should be only one or two syllables.<br /><br />Mychelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07903998652594284441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-3185156185202640912016-04-24T08:09:37.469-07:002016-04-24T08:09:37.469-07:00Andrew, what's been patently clear in your pos...Andrew, what's been patently clear in your post is this: "I give a damn, and still have something that's worth dying for." Yes you do, and it shows. We will never be able to grasp the enormity of your sacrifice to ensure others can live free, sleep peacefully in their beds and have no great expectation of fearful events. Nor do most of them have the remotest idea of what you and others went through on their behalf. <br />You are one brave, bold man and I salute you. Your courage, perseverance, determination and commitment are beautiful qualities indeed. They bleed through your words like ink. Thank you for being real and revealing another slice of the onion so that we can understand your life and the repercussions of it a little bit better than we did before. Praying for you to take solace in the love you receive from Barbara and your beautiful canine friends. You've been through so much together. God bless you. Joy Lentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03486637586238798088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-53628594155269097402016-04-24T07:35:12.323-07:002016-04-24T07:35:12.323-07:00So thankful for you, brother! I have so appreciate...So thankful for you, brother! I have so appreciated your honesty and passion and willingness to be transparent -on the good days, which I know are far and too few, and on the hard ones too! I have a family member suffering from PTSD but they refuse to admit it or accept help or learn tools. It's terrifying and exhausting for those in close proximity and I am sure even more so for them!<br /><br />I can't tell you how much joy it brings me just to see your thumbnail over at Kate's for the link up each week!<br /><br />Praying for you!~Karrilee~ from Abiding Love, Abounding Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06698176066735604032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-3277731949169353342016-04-23T19:54:20.417-07:002016-04-23T19:54:20.417-07:00Andrew dear, sometimes ya just gotta chalk up stup...Andrew dear, sometimes ya just gotta chalk up stupidity to stupidity. Kind of like the intersection up the road from us that is more dangerous now than it was when the "smart" engineers designed it from their office many miles from the actual problem. These doctors are many miles from your problem, they sit in offices not knowing. <br /><br />Thank you for sharing. Thank you for your service, for your sacrifice. Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02908195823729570648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-30670654110765176902016-04-23T07:51:57.636-07:002016-04-23T07:51:57.636-07:00Oh, Andrew, how I wish everyday people would take ...Oh, Andrew, how I wish everyday people would take notice of our veterans more. We just watched "Lone Survivor" and I'm truly haunted. What our soldiers endure is beyond our worst imaginations, and yet we do nothing when they aren't supported on our own soil. Saddened and frustrated. Please know there are citizens who are indebted to your service, and though we can't take away your nightmares, we pray for you and know God will bring healing and wholeness.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02021062382764679577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-34948636046796000802016-04-23T04:58:23.908-07:002016-04-23T04:58:23.908-07:00I just finished reading Mindy Belz's book (The...I just finished reading Mindy Belz's book (They Say We Are Infidels), and that - along with your words today -- convicts me of the fact that I don't have the right to be ignorant of all that's going on in the world. So easy for me to stick my head in the sand when there are people who are suffering and when there is so much evil.Michele Morinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814119096056835884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-14286052806480030262016-04-22T23:19:51.255-07:002016-04-22T23:19:51.255-07:00Janel, your words and thoughts are so important! I...Janel, your words and thoughts are so important! I am so very grateful.<br /><br />A lot of veterans have been harmed by 'pet theories'; in the 70s, the incidence of suicide among Viet Nam veterans rose when the 'let it out' paradigm was in favour. Catharsis may work in other ares; not here.<br /><br />And the best gift you can give to any combat veteran is simply...be happy. Enjoy the life you've got.<br /><br />That you can, without fear or anguish, is what it's all about.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-52561341176737762832016-04-22T23:16:52.882-07:002016-04-22T23:16:52.882-07:00And thank you, my friend...for being here. Thank y...And thank you, my friend...for being here. Thank you for caring.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-74600301430555053042016-04-22T23:13:06.537-07:002016-04-22T23:13:06.537-07:00Marie, thank you!
As I mentioned above, in my rep...Marie, thank you!<br /><br />As I mentioned above, in my reply to Helen's comment...I am also very much a pacifist. I would love to 'teach the world to sing in perfect harmony', as the old Coca-Cola ads went.<br /><br />But failing that, I wanted...and still want...for no one to feel the fear and despair of seeing the world arrayed against them, or indifferent.<br /><br />Thus, as I can no longer meaningfully deploy...the dogs. Every one I have picked up from the street, I have whispered in their ear, "You're safe. You're home. And no one will ever hurt you again."<br /><br />That's what it's all about, Marie.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-33779454517138953432016-04-22T23:09:43.842-07:002016-04-22T23:09:43.842-07:00Julie, I'm so glad you're here! Your smile...Julie, I'm so glad you're here! Your smile (on the thumbnail picture) always brings a measure of peace to my heart.<br /><br />Your words mean a tremendous amount...and your prayers, even more. Thank you, my friend.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-10596191086432509352016-04-22T22:57:12.181-07:002016-04-22T22:57:12.181-07:00Kristina, I'm so grateful for what you've ...Kristina, I'm so grateful for what you've said, and the heart and love behind your words. You've really made my evening!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-32063543851097180192016-04-22T22:55:56.673-07:002016-04-22T22:55:56.673-07:00Beth, thank you...and you're right, interviews...Beth, thank you...and you're right, interviews with the people who've been there, and who have made the rather painful journey to a degree of self-awareness would really help in getting The World to understand just what's been given, and that therapy (while it can be helpful) won't make it right. (I'm not saying I have a huge amount of that self-awareness...but enough to see, at least dimly, the magnitude of the problem.)<br /><br />Combat amputates a part of the soul, and like a limb, it just doesn't grow back.<br /><br />We're so grateful for the prayers, Beth. All of us.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-4275262529025503112016-04-22T22:52:45.509-07:002016-04-22T22:52:45.509-07:00Joanne, words fail me here...except to say, thank ...Joanne, words fail me here...except to say, thank you. I truly appreciate what you've said, and am very, very grateful for your prayers.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-17203346959116528752016-04-22T22:48:04.880-07:002016-04-22T22:48:04.880-07:00Tammy...first...I LOVE the joke! It hurts too much...Tammy...first...I LOVE the joke! It hurts too much to laugh, but I can still smile.<br /><br />And, yes...the dogs do get it when the conditioning kicks in (and they can move FAST). But anyone getting physically close to me, especially when I'm asleep...just the way I go from apparently a-doze to fully switched-on is (I have been told) terrifying. Like a machine.<br /><br />And yes, the experts want to return one to a non-conditioned state, and they don't realize that the only way there is through a lobotomy. (Though some experts do seem to have been lobotomized, and want to share...)<br /><br />nd yes...Matt 3:17...that's one to hang my hat, on. And my heart.<br /><br />Love you, Tammy. I am so grateful for, and honoured by your friendship.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-18669314924773948562016-04-22T22:43:21.995-07:002016-04-22T22:43:21.995-07:00Debby, thank you so much. God is indeed a peace an...Debby, thank you so much. God is indeed a peace and comfort to me, and indeed...you put this so well...His Love will conquer all.<br /><br />Thank you for being here.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-1441969156974176092016-04-22T22:42:22.916-07:002016-04-22T22:42:22.916-07:00Susan, thank you so much for this. I haven't b...Susan, thank you so much for this. I haven't been well enough to spend any time on the comouter until now, but I will be heading your way, soon.<br /><br />Love you, Susan. You've done far more to keep my chin above water than you may realize.<br /><br />XO and wagging tails!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-59614389573827028592016-04-22T22:40:39.680-07:002016-04-22T22:40:39.680-07:00Norma, thank you so much for sharing this. It adds...Norma, thank you so much for sharing this. It adds tremendous depth...and means a lot to me personally.<br /><br />So much of telling people how they should think, and especially how they should 'heal' comes from a good place, and the best of intentions, but also from a flawed paradigm. People don't fit into 'cure boxes'.<br /><br />Life would be so much easier if they...if WE...did!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-33509966587676224762016-04-22T22:36:57.955-07:002016-04-22T22:36:57.955-07:00Helen, thank you for this. It may sound like a con...Helen, thank you for this. It may sound like a contradiction, but I'm a pacifist as well. The only thing worth fighting for, worth killing for, worth dying for...is that ordinary people can live in peace, and need never even consider that someone may want to hurt them<br /><br />I've seen far, far too much hurt. I want it to stop. I never want to hear a child cry again, never, ever, ever, ever, because if I hear that one more time...I may break, never to heal.<br /><br />XXX, Helen, from me and my stalwart guardians.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-73341560221951428022016-04-22T22:32:18.868-07:002016-04-22T22:32:18.868-07:00Spot-on, Jordan. I reached a point where I basical...Spot-on, Jordan. I reached a point where I basically said, "To heck with the world...I know my own reality, and I'm not going to buy into theirs, because it negates that for which I fought. They weren't there, they don't get it."<br /><br />Of course, I said it a bit more colourfully.<br /><br />Love you, Jordan. I am always so happy to see you here.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-18048751154153764262016-04-22T22:30:16.742-07:002016-04-22T22:30:16.742-07:00I'm glad to still be here too, Tara. The frien...I'm glad to still be here too, Tara. The friends I've made through FMF have really provided the 'tied with a bright bow' meaning to my life.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-25001470937125211502016-04-22T22:28:18.939-07:002016-04-22T22:28:18.939-07:00Jeanne, I have no words but...thank you. I'm b...Jeanne, I have no words but...thank you. I'm blessed by your friendship, and strengthened by your prayers.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230537202427640540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-56410693364564401862016-04-22T17:11:45.503-07:002016-04-22T17:11:45.503-07:00Wow. And these people have "earned the right&...Wow. And these people have "earned the right" to be called Drs?! Wow again.<br />I do not suffer with PTSD but I believe it is a destroyer of many people. I can't begin to imagine what war was for you but I know that those who return are not haunted by ghosts but a very vivid reality. I pray that people will not be harmed as a result of these theories. Thank you for letting us know about these falsehoods. I also believe intensely in the tremendous and necessary work of dogs who are assistive and lide giving to their handlers/friends. I am thankful for the love you've not only poured into them but that they've lavished on you through their care. <br />Thank you for your service. What a cost you have paid for our freedom. I'm not sure words can be found to adequately express my thanks. Be blessed dear brother. Glad to see you are here with us. You are loved.<br />Janel (viepourcettetemp.wordpress.com)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4095822388315899381.post-87558248382549946832016-04-22T16:31:49.996-07:002016-04-22T16:31:49.996-07:00Thank you. For sharing. For confiding in the world...Thank you. For sharing. For confiding in the world of blogging, and sharing. Thank you for your tremendous sacrifices!Esther Selahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12780104873853881930noreply@blogger.com