Assist a military caregiver
Iglanced outside as I hurriedly prepared for work and saw the lawn tech had just arrived. After running out to his truck with our payment, I was met with something entirely unexpected — he asked how my son was doing.
During the years the tech had serviced our home, he told me, he had spoken with my husband and knew of our veteran son, who lives with us because of wounds he suffered in Iraq. The tech explained that he too was a veteran, and that his company honored and cared deeply for veterans and their families. He then told us they had an annual service project with his company, and that he would like to recommend our family as recipients.
I was deeply touched since after 13 years of caregiving, life had changed a lot and any support was deeply appreciated. I was even more deeply touched when we received a call from the company and they began the plans to manage our oncemanageable lawn and landscape. As the years progressed, so had the demands of life and the limitations of age, so this could not have come at a better time.
When my son first became sick, our family charted the unknown territory of the military and VA. We have learned a lot and have shared our experience with others to let them know they aren’t alone. In February, I was named as the Elizabeth Dole Foundation 2018 Oklahoma Fellow. My mission is to share that military caregivers cherish community support as they tend to the wounds of their loved one. I have accepted the responsibility to let others know there are a lot of military/veteran families just like ours. In fact, 5.5 million of them.
If you know a military caregiver, reach out and offer what your heart feels led. Running an errand, bringing a meal, mowing the lawn, offering home maintenance, or asking them what they might need are just a few examples that may uplift those the foundation calls our “hidden heroes.”
So caregivers, hang out your flag, turn on your green lights, tie patriotic ribbons on your trees to let your community know who you are. Then watch as the magnanimous hearts of Americans reach into your homes and lives and offer their support and appreciation for you as you steadfastly care for your warrior loved one.
Collins-Clark, of Edmond, is founder of www. VeteransFamiliesUnited.org.