Have we over glorified war? At some points in time, yes. Particularly at the beginning, or escalation of conflict. Was it needed? Maybe. What we need to do is glorify those warriors who fight for our freedoms, who give so much of their lives and in doing so, give so much of the lives of the people who love them as well. Like war, or not, we need those warriors, those souls who give their lives to service for the greater good. They deserve every bit of support and respect we are able to muster.
Exceptionally well written piece on a difficult subject. No doubt will resonate with all the families, friends and loved ones that inherit the burden of someone re-entering civilian life after any war conflict. Much "food for thought" here. Thank you Jennifer.
What an unflinching look at the realities of family trauma associated with military service. Thank you. This will help every family understand the emotional context of the historical artifacts left behind. It’s hard, but it’s also important.
It is very hard to look at. My grandpa’s story took over years before I could really look at his schizophrenia (after I found out 10 years ago) and the impact it had on the family. Emotionally challenging stuff loaded with family shame, anger, and grief. I hope more people explore these difficult things in their families.
There’s a famous book among startup circles by famed investor and VC Ben Horowitz titled “The Hard Thing About Hard Things.” It’s very much a business-focused book talking about why it’s so critical to look at bad news and not be tempted to wish it away.
The principles map remarkably well to families and those difficult truths we face. The best quote is a bit of a “well, duh,” moment. Yet somehow, it bears repeating:
“Hard things are hard because there are no easy answers or recipes.”
True that, eh? The shame, anger, and guilt… may not be articulated, but they by no means disappear.
Great work as always. In my grandfather's case, the war was the piece that went well -- medals, promotions, mentions in despatches, not a (visible) scratch. He came back and married a much younger publican's daughter from south London. Living on hardscrabble RAF bases in the 1920s exposed the fault lines between my grandparents. The resulting chasm has taken a century to recognise and heal.
Have we over glorified war? At some points in time, yes. Particularly at the beginning, or escalation of conflict. Was it needed? Maybe. What we need to do is glorify those warriors who fight for our freedoms, who give so much of their lives and in doing so, give so much of the lives of the people who love them as well. Like war, or not, we need those warriors, those souls who give their lives to service for the greater good. They deserve every bit of support and respect we are able to muster.
Thanks for reading and responding!
Exceptionally well written piece on a difficult subject. No doubt will resonate with all the families, friends and loved ones that inherit the burden of someone re-entering civilian life after any war conflict. Much "food for thought" here. Thank you Jennifer.
Thanks for reading Doug!!
What an unflinching look at the realities of family trauma associated with military service. Thank you. This will help every family understand the emotional context of the historical artifacts left behind. It’s hard, but it’s also important.
It is very hard to look at. My grandpa’s story took over years before I could really look at his schizophrenia (after I found out 10 years ago) and the impact it had on the family. Emotionally challenging stuff loaded with family shame, anger, and grief. I hope more people explore these difficult things in their families.
There’s a famous book among startup circles by famed investor and VC Ben Horowitz titled “The Hard Thing About Hard Things.” It’s very much a business-focused book talking about why it’s so critical to look at bad news and not be tempted to wish it away.
The principles map remarkably well to families and those difficult truths we face. The best quote is a bit of a “well, duh,” moment. Yet somehow, it bears repeating:
“Hard things are hard because there are no easy answers or recipes.”
True that, eh? The shame, anger, and guilt… may not be articulated, but they by no means disappear.
Thank you for all you do, @Jennifer Holik. Hugs.
Hugs back to you too!
Great work as always. In my grandfather's case, the war was the piece that went well -- medals, promotions, mentions in despatches, not a (visible) scratch. He came back and married a much younger publican's daughter from south London. Living on hardscrabble RAF bases in the 1920s exposed the fault lines between my grandparents. The resulting chasm has taken a century to recognise and heal.
And you are doing tremendous work to heal your lineage while also teaching others it is possible.