Veterans Day and its celebrations are behind us, and a number of our children have left for basic training for military the branch of their choice.
It seems there is excitement mingled with sadness; late fall and winter are pivotal seasons for some among us. I would like to share some thoughts that I have gleaned from notes:
“I am surrounded by people, yet I am alone. Similar to a leaf on the water, tossed and spun around with no clear direction, no destination. All alone in the world, no one to confide in, no friends to talk with. I feel I have worth, but I must be valueless to everyone else. I am unable to break the barrier that surrounds me. Each day I live through false motivation, fake friendships. People descend upon me wanting to be helpful, brimming over with uselessness to me, advice and opinions – get out, find a hobby, it’s all in your head you just need to clear it out. Everyday, the same thought: Damn, I woke up again.”
These thoughts were taken from suicide notes. The reported average of veteran suicides nationwide is 22 each day. This time of the year, suicides increase through the population. There is no fix-all solution – each person is different. How should we be aware of dejection and depression? I don’t know, I had one vet tell me what she really needed most was some one just to sit with. No conversation – just sit quietly.
This month, be aware that you know someone who is silently suffering.
It is with regret I write that Greg Bennett, post commander of the local chapter of the American Legion, passed on Oct. 22 after battling cancer.
The Legion is having another quilt raffle, with the drawing set for Dec. 10. Tickets are being sold by various members of Post 41 in Houston. The quilt was made by the ladies of the Ozark Baptist Church sewing group.
The meetings at the Houston post are every second Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall on U.S. 63 next to Pizza Hut. Meetings at the Cabool VFW are the second Saturday at 1 p.m.
Veterans and families are invited to attend meetings.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Houston resident Keith Ford is a retired infantryman and an amateur writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. Email kf4tap@yahoo.com.
