If your just joining the story, you may want to go back and read the past post.
Leaving Ryley at Mentis was one of
the most painful things I have done as a mother. As he was settling into his
new environment, I was preparing to meet with high ranking officials. The next
three weeks for me would be filled with daily meeting and me pleading my case for
his transfer close to home.
One would think it would be a no
brainer to send a wounded soldier with a head trauma near family; it’s common sense.
One would think that it would be beneficial for his healing. One would think
that having family involved with his healing would help the process of recovery…
Now I sound bitter. Let me just continue with my story.
As I was coming and going from the
Fisher House. I met a family that was there to visit their son. Now, I can’t go
into detail as to what happened to their son, that’s their story. I can tell
you, he was injured and the army flew his parent in to be with him. It was so
nice to have some companionship in the big house. The Fisher House is the biggest blessing you
never want to need and because most people who walk through the doors are there
for a common reason, friendships forge very naturally.
One morning I was preparing to go
see Ry first, and then meet with an ombudsman for direction and strategy, when
I had the opportunity to have coffee with Melanie .
Let me just say, my heart lunged towards her immediately. She was a woman of
faith and that in itself was a connection, but to also have two sons in the
army and then to have one injured, well, now its providence. We had a few
minutes to chat about our families, our soldiers, our fears and our hopes of
healing before we both went our separate ways for the day. Her and her husband
went to the hospital and I went to see Ry and then to a very scary meeting.
After taking Ry a Mocha Java Chip
and praying with him for the day, I then left to meet with the ombudsmen, that
I will call Bob. Bob was a large man that had a very intimidating presence. The
first time I met Bob, was after I spoke with Ryley’s nurse case manager,
because I was questioning Ryley’s care. His NCM then directed me to Bob who was a very
matter of fact and stern ombudsman. I was a nervous wreck but knew I needed to
hide my fears.
I called Joe every morning and he prayed for
the day’s events and meetings. I pulled my shoulders back and prepared to
pretend bravery as I went to see Bob. The meeting was necessary because he was
going to connect me with the right leaders to advocate for Ry, but I felt so
small and unimportant.
As I walked up to his office for
our 10:00 am meeting, I saw the door was open but he wasn’t at his desk. His radio
was on and a soldier told me to have a seat in the hall and Bob would be right
back. As I sat down to wait, I listened to the music that was floating out of
his office. It was Chris
Tomlin
When Bob came back he invited me in
to his office. We had some small talk and then we went right into the reason I
was in Texas .
I told him it was my desire to have Ryley transferred closer to home so he
could heal near his family. That having a head trauma and personality change
required more than rehabilitation, it required those who knew Ryley. I also
voiced my concern for the medication he was on, because his last blood work
said his liver was failing and the doctor’s excuses were feeble to say the
least.
Bob listened as I shared everything
with him. At the end of our conversation he said he would help me with whatever
he could. That he was a neutral party, he was the middle man that made sure the
soldier was taken care of. He then gave
me some much needed advice. “Mrs., Ruddock, you must keep in mind, these high
ranking officers are not your boss. You do not need to be intimidated by them.
Be confident when speaking with them, do not stumble or stutter over your
words. State your case and be the brave woman you are.
It reminded me of the story of
Esther when Hegai told Esther what to do, wear or say.
…When
it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the
eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested….
Esther 2:15
This was just another divine
connection God was giving me. Bob went to work setting up a meeting with the
Major who was over the Wounded Warrior Barracks. This would be one of many
meeting I would have. My day was filled with chatting with Ryley’s NCM, his sergeant
and his captain.
I went back to Mentis to pick up Ry to have
dinner with me. Ryley was all over the place again. He didn’t want to listen to
the music I had on in the car, he was angry and frustrated. We spent the evening
together and it took all my energy to endure the few hours I had with him. I
felt so guilty to feel so tired and worn. As I returned Ryley to rehab and
signed him back in, I kept wondering if this was the best thing for him. I
really want it to be, but I wasn’t convinced.
I called Joe on the drive back to
the Fisher House and cried the whole way. I wept because Ryley wasn’t Ryley. I grieved
because I couldn’t make it better, and I hated myself because I couldn’t wait
to take him back to rehab, it was hard being around him when he was like this,
and I was a little afraid at times. After all my days’ efforts, the reality was
still the same. As I cried to Joe on
the phone about how horrible I felt, he began to sing to me the song by Tenth Avenue North :
“This is
where the healing begins, this is where the healing starts, when you come to
where you’re broken within the Light meets the dark.” What an amazing man I
have.
My heart settled down and I chatted
with Joe about the great things that happened
that day. I got my perspective back.
This song would become my Rocky
like “Eye of Tiger” power song. Every time
it played I would be reminded that this is where the Healing begins. We were on a journey for Ry. The Light
collided with the dark that night and comforted a very tired and weary mother. And
tomorrow when I met with the Major who was over the WTB, the Light would run
into the dark again, for I was informed that the
Major was a devout Muslim. Now it gets interesting.
Major was a devout Muslim. Now it gets interesting.
Holly, this made me cry! I am praying for you and your family! I am praying specifically for God's provision, protection, peace, and overwhelming blessing. God doesn't intend to have you walk through this alone. He desires to walk with you and is also strategically putting people in your life that are going to walk with you and support you. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Cheree. I truly appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement.
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