Prayers for Ben

[Bucky]

Kathyx - how's Ben? 

Bucky

[Katybarstool]

Hi Bucky

Thanks for asking. To be honest, he seems pretty depressed at the moment. He's been at home for over a month with the holidays, and then there was a delay due to heating problems at the rehab place, so he is only just going back today.

I know depression is to be expected after such a life-changing event, and we are all hoping the camaraderie with his colleagues and some psychoogical input will help him. I guess it just takes time. Stacey and the baby are fine.

His mum, my sister is also struggling just now. We talk, but she is not the kind of person to seek medical help, which she needs. I'm hoping the fact that she isnow back at work and mixing with other people will help her. We have invited her and her hubby to come away with us for a week next month, which I think will give her boost. We don't know her decision yet.

So, your prayers are still needed.

Hugs
Kathyx

[genko_b]

The middle stretch is sometimes the hardest. My son was in the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq - wounded (not nearly as badly as Ben) and also diagnosed with PTSD, like so many. He has been home for more than six years now and it has only been in the last six months that he is beginning to relax a bit and just live his life.

I will continue to hold you, Ben, your sister, and all the family in my prayers, as I do my own son, every day.

Take care,

Genko

[Meld256]

Kathy,

I, too, hope that Ben getting back with his colleagues will help him. It certainly seems normal for him to be depressed sometimes for all he's gone through and continues to endure.  Please let him know I feel he's been a real inspiration for so many.  He's been such a strong young man, but I'm sure good psycological help is needed for him and his parents.

War certainly changes people, and there are so many coming back with so many physical and emotional needs.
genko,
I'll continue to pray for your son as I do Ben and his family...and all the others.
Blessings to you both,
Melinda

[Katybarstool]

Genko

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I find that reassurring, but I'm so sorry that your family have had to go through this. I will also pray for your son, and for you. It must have been a hard six years for you all.

Meld,

Thank you for your continued prayers and empathy. We feel that Ben has been an inspiration too, but I think he's finding the 'hero' part difficult to live up to. I think the next few months will be tough for him, but he will get there with all the prayers and positive vibes being sent his way.

There's one thing our family is looking forward to this week: Ben's older sister is due to have her first baby tomorrow. That will give everyone a boost - new year, new life

Kathyx
Kathyx

[harrigan]

Thanks for the update Kathy - I wondered how Ben was getting on.  The depression is inevitable I would think, but I hope it is eased by his move back to rehab and the strength he can give and receive with others in the same situation.

Hope your good news baby arrives soon and safely!  Let us know.Thinking of you all xx Ailsa

Genko - will be keeping your son in my thoughts too  xx Ailsa

[Bucky]

Kathyx - thanks for the update on Ben.  Considering the scope of events that have happened to Ben in recent months, it's only natural that he would be feeling depressed.  I hope once he gets back to the rehab place that things will improve.

If Ben is like most people, if you keep yourself busy, you have less idle time to think about his physical condition, limitations, etc.

Ben has been through such a traumatic event in his life - it will take time for him to come to grips with his new way of life.  As his physical strength improves, I'm hoping his mental strength will improve too.  Although, I've got to say, I think he's doing a fantastic job where he's at right now - he's come a long way.  He should be proud of that.

Please convey our best wishes to him and his little family.  Tell him he has friends of his Aunt from around the world who are praying for him.

Would there be any way you would be able to go with your sister to see a doctor?  As you said, now that she is back to work and around other people, perhaps that will help her too.

Genko - I'm sorry to hear about your son.  However, I am glad that he has recently been able to start to relax a bit and live his life.  That has got to be such a hard, long struggle for the whole family.  Prayers for all of you too.

Bucky

[Chickpea]

Dearest Kathy - thank you for the update on Ben and the whole family.

Genko - I can't even begin to imagine the pain for you and your son, and all the families affected by war. 

I'm so grateful to you both for telling us about these precious young men in your families.  We read news stories of conflicts across the world and see news footage but rarely do we face the lifetime impact.  Thank you for opening our eyes.

Love to you all - Chickpea

[Meld256]

Kathy,

Wondering if that new little baby has arrived?  Is Ben an uncle by now? 

Chickpea,
You are exactly right in that we see and hear of these precious military people in the news and that there has been an injury, but rarely do we know what happens after the fact.  We often don't hear of the struggles and challenges they face, often for many years.

I think once we see how many challenges there are, I feel even more respect and admiration for them all.

Melinda

[Katybarstool]

Chickpea and Meld

Thank you for remembering Ben. He is indeed an uncle - his nephew arrived on the 1 February, weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz - so far he is nameless. My niece is well and absolutely besotted with her new arrival. Sadly, Ben has MRSA, so he won't be able to see the baby just yet. My sister is over the moon at becoming a 'proper Nanna'.

Kathyx

[lynnmarie219]

Kathy,

Thanks for the update on Ben. I hope that he is able to find the strength that he needs to continue his journey to getting better while back at the rehab center surrounded by friends that truly understand some of what he has been through and seen.

My love, prayers, and thanks continue for Ben as well as for your son Genko and to all of the young men and women currently serving or who have already served in the past. Most of us will never understand the sacrifices they have made...but they are appreciated.

Congratulations also on that new little baby Kathy...maybe he bring some much needed happiness to your family. Keep us posted...

[Meld256]

Kathy,

Congratulations to your niece and her new arrival!  He's a good size for a little man.

I'm so glad he can bring so much joy to your sister; it seems sometimes this sort of thing happens at just the right time, doesn't it?  I'm thrilled she's so happy to be "Nana." 

I don't think I could say anything better than lynnmarie.  Well said! I'm sorry to hear Ben is battling MRSA, but hopefully this will be resolved soon.
My prayers and blessings continue for your family, dear.

Melinda

[harlin]

Kathy
Congratulations on the new baby!!! Baby's are such a blessing. I hope everyone is doing well. I can only imagine how your sister is doing being a Nana. I love being Mamaw.

I hope Ben is doing better now. Our prayers are always with you and your family.

Love and prayers, harlin

[Katybarstool]

Thanks Harlin

Ben is well. The new baby has finally been given a name! He's Daniel Benjamin! We are very pleased that my niece is honouring her younger brother in this way.

Hope you are feeling better.

Kathyx

[Cricket]

Congratulations!

What a beautiful name.  Glad mom and baby are doing good.  I also second Lynnmarie's note on our service men and women.

Continued prayers for Ben and your family.