It's an Unbelievable Bond - IYKYK

 

So deep breath and I set up the computer, downloaded the forms and started to fill them out.  Telling the story again. It's part of me, so it's not hard for the words to come, I just don't like what they do to me. 

Yes, I got the forms done. 

No, I didn't sleep a wink. 

It was all right there again, fresh, images, the feelings everything.  I felt guilty that I was tossing and turning so bad, I know I was keeping my wife awake, so I went to the other bedroom, took a sleeping pill and tried to find peace in the darkness.  It eventually came, but it wasn't good and it was only for a couple hours.  But the forms are done!  Now I just needed to get them uploaded to the VA system.  So I scanned them, and fired off an e-mail to the local VSO who has been helpful for the last year in hopes they'll take them and load them directly into my case file. 

While I wait, I also reached out to a former co-worker who happens to also be a Marine Corp veteran.  Back in 1999 I shared my story with him and he was awesome, and suggested back then that I contact the VA and get some help with it.  Of course I didn't - and I sure wish I had!  But I asked if he'd be willing to write up a statement about what I told him and when. His answer was instantaneous and "you got it!" 

Today I asked a shipmate who was there that night if they'd simply write their memories of that night confirming for the VA that this actually happened. The reply again, instant and "absolutely." 

These are my brothers, veterans and shipmates who know. They know the trust we had to have in each other when we were in uniform, and that trust and support is there for a lifetime. 

I'm humbled. 

I'm grateful. 

Optimistic.