It was 10:45 last night (15 minutes before my shift ended). I was tired. A father called about his son who had just been discharged from the military at 25 years old. He said his son was “lost” and was dealing with it by drinking excessively. I was able to assist this father by locating a therapist who specialized in alcohol treatment. We talked about our own experiences in the military. This man had served for 20 years as a Marine Infantry officer. I cannot imagine the things he had experienced; what he saw over those 20 years. We had very different experiences as soldiers. I served in the Army for a short time as a behavioral science specialist and sat behind a desk. Despite this, we were able to talk. We had the commonality of being veterans, and forever soldiers. Equally important we were parents of sons whom we loved without question.
After completing our session this seemingly tough, gruff former Marine became silent. He actually broke down and sobbed, saying that a parent never stops worrying about their child, no matter what the age. He apologized for “bothering” me. I told him that everything would be all right no matter what. I felt that at that this military man, this soldier/Dad needed hope. I told him that his son knows he is loved and that is the important thing. I told him I knew this, inherently, as I have a son myself who is the same age and is an Infantry man. Guys at that age push the limits to grow, and hopefully, ultimately, become men. Real men that are strong and true. He thanked me and we ended the call. Late last night and all day today I was struck how touched I was. I felt I had the opportunity, in some way, to help this man and his son. These unexpected connections are what make life worth while. Life is good.
