Here’s our final dispatch from Gayla Romanowsky, who has been filing to Battleland from the new Significant Others Support Group at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Her husband, Dave, served in Iraq, where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Gayla attended the sessions, funded by the non-profit Walter Reed Society, to learn how to grapple with the challenges of welcoming home a war veteran who may differ from the person who shipped out.
We did it!
Friday was the last day of the 5-day spouse support program at Walter Reed. It was probably the hardest day of them all – it’s the day we say Good-Bye. I’ve grown attached to every single person in the group in such a short amount of time. I’m truly amazed on how well I feel. I feel like I’ve grown and become more aware of myself. I forgot to take care of me. I’m always taking care of my husband, children, my office and everyone in it – but now to take care of me.
The day was kind of a blur. We had a really nice graduation ceremony and, one by one, we were able to speak. I thanked the group for make me whole again and the person that I am today.
I am numb to stress. It’s the only way I can describe it. It is truly amazing what the group has done for me in such a short amount of time.
I am home now. First day back at work and I’m just so happy to be able to share my experiences with everyone. My mission is to spread awareness and make this program a regular DOD funded program. I’m ready to teach my office how to do QI GONG! Thank you Deployment Health Clinical Center at Walter Reed for reminding me that I have to take care of myself too! And thank you Time blog for sharing my story!
Sincerely,
The New Gayla….
I’m still “Dave Romanowsky’s #1 Fan!”
