Around this time last year, a dear friend who is from Poland told me a story about close friends of hers who also came to the US from Poland. They had a bright son who grew up here and loved all things American. He went off to war in Iraq and came back physically OK, but mentally and emotionally damaged, not able to sleep, not able to function, one of the walking wounded. I gave him my book and told his family about Belleruth Naparstek’s powerful guided imagery for helping to heal PTSD (https://www.healthjourneys.com/). Within an hour of hearing his compelling story, I had written a poem/song which I later sent to him with a note. Even though the war in Iraq may be winding down, it is important to remember that those who died were not the only casualties.
February 25, 2008
Dear M.:
I wanted you to know I believe in healing. I have had personal experience in healing from multiple sclerosis, cancer, depression, and panic attacks. I cannot know what you have been through, but when S. told me a bit of your story, this song came to me for you. I do not have the melody yet, perhaps you may write one some day. I wish the best for you. You can find more about my story on my website. I have not written about my latest healing from cancer, but that will come. You have my book and I know you are a powerful healer. Keep on. You will find your way.
Love, Margaret
2/11/08
Walking Wounded
For M.
There are those who didn’t come back
and those who came back but didn’t come home
and those who came home but were never the same,
the walking wounded. This song is for all of them.
Immigrant family from Poland,
bright son believed in the US of A,
went into the military
to get money for school.
And now he’s broken…
no college in his future,
just trying to get through one more day.
He was the smart one,
always got good grades,
always laughing, joking,
promising future stretched out before him.
And now he’s broken, broken…
no college in his future,
just trying to get through one more day.
He figured how hard could it be,
four years and out
money in hand,
then he was sent to Iraq.
And now he’s broken, broken, broken…
no college in his future,
just trying to get through one more day.
And what he saw there
no man can understand,
no heart can withstand.
And what he heard and tasted and smelled
he cannot forget like
shrapnel embedded in his memory,
shrapnel embedded in his cells.
He cannot remember normal,
he cannot find his way back.
And now he’s broken…
no college in his future,
struggling to get through one more day.
Pray for this young man
that he find healing,
pray for his family and friends.
Pray for this one man
and all the countless others
wounded by this latest senseless war.
And learn.
And remember.
And remember.
And learn.
And now we’re broken …
no money for our future,
just trying to get through one more day.
Pray for all the walking wounded
to whatever God you believe in:
pray, pray, pray,
it’s all the same to me.
We are all in this together
whether or not we walk hand in hand,
in whatever ways we differ
in more ways we are the same.
Wake up, wake up people
do what can be done,
do not believe those who don’t believe
in peace for everyone.
Pray for this young man
that he find healing,
pray for his family and friends.
Pray for this one man
and all the many others
wounded by this senseless war.
And learn.
And remember.
And remember.
And learn:
Never again.
Margaret Dubay Mikus
© 2008
Note: I picked the photo above (healing daisies) before I realized that my friend from Poland had given the flowers to me when I was healing from a double mastectomy last year. Interesting how things come full circle.
Second note: In a recent email newsletter, Belleruth Naparstek mentioned research findings that showed her guided imagery CD, Stress Hardiness Optimization, (which is less intense than her Healing Trauma CD), is helpful for soldiers in reducing PTSD symptoms.