Thunder Rolls
NPS Photo by Look Rock Webcam (nps.gov)
Thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence here in the mountains of Tennessee, especially in the summertime. Last night, well actually early this morning, we had a thunderstorm. The lightning lit up the sky, the thunder boomed and rolled across the hollow. It was enough to frighten one of our dogs, Ares, who crept into bed with us.
Funny isn’t it how companionship makes us feel better. Ares usually sleeps in his bed under a desk in our bedroom. He can see us and hear us from his bed and generally he is fine sleeping over there next to his sister Kanzi. Fine, that is, unless there is thunder. He doesn’t like thunder, for some reason it frightens him. And when that happens, you can bet he will jump up on the bed looking for reassurance. We generally let him snuggle in between us, under the covers, where he hunkers down for the remainder of the night. Sometimes he is so frightened that he is shaking, so we pet and reassure him that everything is alright. Usually, simply coming to bed with us is all it takes for him to relax and go back to sleep, even as the thunderstorm rages on.
People are like that; we need companionship, often more than we like to admit. I know I shouldn’t be, but I was surprised by how important it has been for me to find companionship here in Northeastern Tennessee. When we first moved here three years ago, I didn’t go back to work and, due to COVID, it was difficult meeting people. Then I found the VFW and the American Legion. What a difference that made! On active duty I was surrounded by people with similar experiences and didn’t understand how much companionship that provided. After I retired, I didn’t feel like I fit in until I joined the local posts and found a new set of friends with similar experiences. Being with people who understand me is crucial to my emotional wellbeing, crucial to everyone’s wellbeing.
This is part of the reason Peace Mountain Ranch is so critical. We provide a place where combat Veterans can get help from people with similar experiences. Harvey and I have both deployed to war zones, we speak “military,” we “get” sacrifice. And even though Harvey is a Navy Chaplain, he understands the importance of the Army Values, which are the values of everyone in the military (though some branches may use slightly different names). We understand Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. We understand how difficult it can be to return to civilian life after seeing the carnage, the devastation, the loss that occurs in combat. We understand the conflict that can build up inside a Veteran struggling to make peace with his or her past.
We provide companionship by coming along side of the Veteran and walking with them for a while. We share in their burdens and help them find hope, healing, trust, and value. We help them through the night darkened by the thunderstorms in their soul and when the light begins to shine again, we help them move on to a better place, both emotionally and spiritually. We know that when the thunder rolls and the world looks bleak, hope can get lost in the dark. Let us help you find the light again.
