I love the way veterans, who have never met, can know each other in a matter of moments. Their experiences are unique, yet at the same time they are common to every single one of them. They understand something about the value of life that only those who are willing to pay the ultimate price can feel, deep within a place most of us don’t even know exists…
Wounded
When my son, Marine Cpl. Aaron P. Mankin, was wounded while serving in Iraq, the marine families around me were the ones I depended on the most. I had so much to learn in a matter of days, and continue to learn as the years pass. All along our journey of recovery, there have been others to guide, advise, and support. For those who are behind me in their timeline of recovery with their service member, I feel I have a duty—we all have a duty—to reach out and try to make their journey a little easier.
Caregivers
We watch our service member from the day they sign their lives over to protect. Every move they make while serving this country is followed by all who know and love them. For every single warrior who returns home wounded, seen or unseen, there is a multitude of family, friends and communities who are forever changed.
Where do we go from here?
Everything seemed so simple, on the day I received a large bouquet of flowers from the other side of the world. My youngest son was stationed in Iraq as a combat correspondent for the Marine Corps. It was Mothers Day, May 8, 2005, when the touching note was delivered, along with the flowers.
Three days later my world changed forever, as did his…
Update on ‘A Mother’s Side of War’
I’m happy to let you know all the re-writes, adding chapters, additional pictures and a professional edit has been completed! What a relief! Now, the printer should finish their thing and the book will be available around the first of August.
Writing to Heal 