Thanks for the link, Ken. I'll send it to Brent.

I'm still trying to impress upon him the importance of becoming his own well-informed health advocate, and expert on his disease.

 

Thanks for sharing your story. God bless him. I agree 100% with your comment above.

 

Thanks for the updates, Jerry. It is a very emotional story and it is hard to read your posts without tearing up a bit. But please keep the updates coming.

 

^ Thanks, Bill.

I don't mean to be melodramatic when writing about the experiences with my son. However, this whole thing has made a huge impact upon me. My son is very strong physically and emotionally, so it's hard for me to get an honest 'read' on how he regards his MS. I get the feeling that whatever he must do, he will. He hates the "poor me" attitude, and seems to be suppressing some deep resentment and anger...and I can understand that. I also understand that his three deployments to Afghanistan during the past eleven years have most definitely played a huge role in his ability to deal with this latest challenge. However, I sensed that same acceptance and resolve among the other severely wounded warriors at BMAC. When I made eye contact with them, I got the feeling that they had already experienced several lifetimes, and I felt humbled to be in their presence. I would listen to their banter and joking, all the while noting the deep, underlying bond they share.

This past Saturday, I stood alone at the first Cars & Coffee I've attended since returning from being with my son at BMAC. While Hot Rods, Classics, and Exotics passed by me, I noticed that I felt empty and detached. I couldn't get the images of my son and the wounded warriors out of my mind. The car show just seemed unimportant and trite. I was ready to walk back to my car when a beautiful, black, 1978-25th Anniversary, Corvette drove by. That's always been my son's favorite car...the Corvette from the year he was born. I almost felt him by my side making a comment about the car.

As I turned to watch the Vette drive away, I noticed a group of my Cars & Coffee friends standing nearby. I think they had seen me, but were waiting for me to join them whenever I wanted. After visiting with the group, and talking personally with a friend who has been through major medical challenges with his own family, I began to feel the burden lift. I can't change anything that has happened to my son, or the wounded warriors I met. It's all about my son LIVING with MS, and the lives of the other warriors moving on as well.

A few of us went to breakfast, then we walked around and looked at more cars in the parking lot. I felt at peace after spending that special time with my son...especially the long drive home. Now we're both safely back home, and we'll go on about the business of LIVING our lives.

- Jerry (Spokes Man)

 

Jerry, that's perfect: "I was ready to walk back to my car when a beautiful, black, 1978-25th Anniversary, Corvette drove by. That's always been my son's favorite car...the Corvette from the year he was born. I almost felt him by my side making a comment about the car." I'm all about there not being coincidences.

 

^ I agree, Patty.

 

There is no question that an optimistic attitude makes all the difference. The key is to control the things you can and let go of the ones you can't. Otherwise, frustration sets in. Having a support group is so important, so I hope you both will continue to reach out when you need to.

 

^^^ one of those rare instances when i agree with Legal Bill

I missed your original posts, Jerry, but have now caught up with events. Glad that the transition is going as well as possible for Brent. It's a blessing that you were retired and able to pitch in to help him in so many ways....to be continued, I'm sure.

As a hospice chaplain, my "left wing" daughter in Gloucester MA has...thru working with WW II vets at end of life.....become much more appreciative of the sacrifices that each generation has made in defense of our country. I'm trusting that Brent will continue to get the support that he deserves to lead a full and productive life.

 

Jerry, that was a wonderful update. What a story!

A few days ago I happened to be driving past Dover AFB. I have made this drive a number of times visiting my parents in Lower Slower DE and my sister in Smyrna. Every time I pass Dover AFB, I am reminded of its chilling primary mission, receiving and processing the remains of those brave men and women in our armed forces who paid the ultimate price. Often forgotten are those who are disabled during their service but their sacrifice is no less meaningful.

Please pass on a heart-felt thank you to U.S. Army Sgt. Brent Fetters. Let him know that his sacrifice is not taken for granted and that his leadership and service are deeply appreciated.

 

^ Thanks, tof.

Since our Military is now made up completely of enlisted personnel, they've all had to accept the fact that they might be required to pay the "ultimate price" while serving. That's the attitude of my son...he knew there were risks when he signed up. He won't get a Purple Heart for getting MS while being deployed, but IMO it could quite possibly have been triggered by something that occurred during the many fire-fights he was involved in. We'll probably never know, but he accepts what has happened as "part of the deal." He's certainly much better off than so many of the Wounded Warriors.

My heart-felt "thanks" to all of you Vintage friends who have expressed your best wishes and support for Brent, and all of our sons and daughters in the Armed Forces.

- Jerry