the twist and turns of life

Over the last few years my life has taken many twist and turns. In the last three year I have watched Rusty lay both of his parents to rest, I watched Rusty have a major heart attack, Rusty lost hearing in one ear, and I watched my dad die.

Never in a million years did I ever think that I would meet someone who would need me simply because of the hardships that I have been through.

The ladies name is Carla and I have never met her, however we have talked on the phone several time. Long story short, Rusty asked me to call her and I did.

Carla's husband is a veteran. He had a massive stroke just over a year ago, now his kidneys are failing, and his mind is starting to go. Carla called me on Saturday and asked me if I had time to talk. I told her that I did.

Carla asked me how I got through being the only care giver for my husband. I told that I do not know. I just did it. Yes I got depressed just like she is, but I just got through it.

Carla asked me if Rusty ever forgot who his children were. I told her no, but when I went home to see my dad before he died he did not know me 99% of the time. I also told her that my dad would yell very mean things at me. Once when I leaned over his bed to kiss him he yelled at me to go away because he did not know me!

Carla started to cry. She said her son is going through that right now. Once again Carla asked me how I handled it. I would just walk out of my dads room and try to remember that the man laying in the bed was not my dad, my dad was gone a long time ago. I would also cry and curse God.

Carla asked me how I got Rusty's V.A. benefits started, so I walked her through the process and told her who to talk to. I told her to just do everything that this guy tells you to do and you will get your benefits. I told her that the wheels turn slow, but they do turn!

Who Knew? All of my years as a military wife no one ever asked for my advice on anything. Now as a veterans wife I am able to help people because of experience. Is that why the universe slammed us with a couple of bad years. Just so I could learn something and then turn around and help someone else? Could that be my purpose? To help people by sharing my hard times, and by letting them know that they are not alone?

I do not know. I do know that when Carla calls I will pick up the phone and be rock to lean on. I told Carla to call me anytime, and I do hope to hear from her again soon.

Well good night.