Chris Allen

This is a continuation of a series of articles regarding a potential treatment/vacation model for Veterans returning from combat missions. Day 5-Not surprising, Jim and Fran are up and out of bed by 0530. Their bodies naturally wake up at this hour. Waking up, they are excited about doing something together and feel like they haven’t felt in a long time, like they’re on the same page of music.

It’s funny when situations in life bring out underlying thoughts and emotions that do not readily come to the surface. Right now is one such instance for me. It’s been a long day. We had a garage sale, our first as a married couple and not to mention with our three daughters. Jen’s had garage sales since we’ve been married, but I’ve always been gone and not part of the planning and execution process. We did well today.

Over breakfast, Jim and Fran discuss today’s schedule. Jim wonders aloud if he will be alone with Dave the entire time and Fran is kind of concerned about feeling like having to entertain Kamiah this evening. Jim reminds Fran that the V&B Staff cleans the cabin during the day, so “don’t get all stressed about what the place looks like”. “Easy for you to say” Fran shoots back. “Whatever Fran!” An uneasy tension remains with the couple throughout the morning. Both are inwardly angry with themselves for letting old arguments and patterns invade such a tranquil place.

I was recently asked by a friend to give an update on my transition from civilian back to military life. I initially resisted the thought of doing so, but found it necessary because I am increasingly finding myself in a short tempered and foul mood over the past week. So, I guess what will follow here is an attempt to capture my feelings “in the moment”. Maybe, I’m simply counseling myself as I write this. I don’t know. What I do know right now is that I am sitting at a friend’s dinner table. There’s a storm outside; it’s early in the morning, and I have a fresh cup of coffee, for me, ideal writing conditions. It’s July 7th.

Restless, Jim wakes up before 5 because he simply can’t stand the thought of staying in bed any longer. He needs to do something, but he’s not sure what. He decides that an early morning walk around the lake will do him some good, besides he’s used to early morning exercise and there’s time to think about things. He kisses Fran on the cheek, roles out of bed, and get’s dressed. Out of habit, Jim sets the coffee maker’s timer for 0630. He knows that Fran will probably be enjoying a hot bath and a book by the time he returns. He also wants to surprise Fran with making breakfast.