About two weeks ago (or maybe more) I had the
extreme privilege of being invited to the annual Operation Home front’s Hearts
of Valor retreat, this time held in sunny San Diego at the San Diego Resort and
Spa. I traveled with my fellow warrior wife, and good friend Jane M, which
pretty much started this incredible weekend with laughs and much needed stress
relief. For all that are new to my blog,
I rarely refer to my friends by their actual name here. Instead- since I call
our brood the anything but plain Jane’s-
you’ll see me reference them as Jane [+ the initial of their first name].
The resort was phenomenal; great catered food,
impressive suites, to-die-for spa and Jacuzzi, and ultra-plush amenities, made
our weekend trip, the ultimate weekend getaway!
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| Photos courtesy sandiegohilton.com |
Not only were the amenities amazing, the activities
and speakers on the agenda planned by the miracle workers of H.O.V, were
incredible and so uplifting. Our keynote speakers on night one were a CSM with
PTSD and his lovely wife. They definitely didn’t hold back as they recalled the
rocky trails their relationship experienced while navigating this ever so
twisty road of marriage and PTSD. I tell you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the
house after they were done speaking. I know for me, hearing out-loud the very
same emotions that I have felt for now 7 years, spilling out of the mouth of
another woman in my very same shoes, gave me such a feeling of emotional
support. It was great- knowing that I wasn’t crazy for feeling angry, distant, and
protective of myself and my kiddo- and helped me to not just hear but truly know
that I’m not alone. So moving and powerful!
The rest of the weekend wasn’t as intense, but was
still just as powerful. We had classes each day that covered everything from VA
benefits, intimacy, journaling, money management and then some. We also had
lots of downtime, which included free facials and massages courtesy of the
remarkable resort and H.O.V, a bon fire on the beach, relaxing poolside (either
in the private cabanas or overlooking the beach), and Jacuzzi time. I can tell
you from my experience, that this retreat was a life saver. I had reached my ‘burn-out’
phase, and having a moment to myself, some much needed r&r, and building
connections with an amazing group of women, who are turning out to be really incredible
new friends, was just what I needed to get me back to being me, and providing me
with the tools to help me get through the challenges that life with PTSD and
TBI afford .
To all of you Combat Veteran Wives, I definitely recommend you join Hearts of Valor. For me the retreat was much needed indeed, but
more than that, what I got out of this amazing weekend was much more than I ever
expected. It allowed me the greatest gift I’ve ever been given…peace. At a time
where my entire life seemed to be rooted deeply in chaos and stress, the bonds
and friendships, resources and information, and time to decompress that this
retreat gave me, I know I will be forever grateful for. For all of you out there struggling on your
own- don’t! Join, talk, get it out ladies. Just know that you’re not alone.
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| Strongest women I know! |
