To those of you who read my blog on a regular basis — and apparently there are many of you — I would like to thank you for your kind thoughts, stories, issues and comments. Since I wrote the story about our recent experience at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, my e-mail has been busy with interesting comments. When I wrote the second portion to that story, “Diplomacy Pays,” I have heard from wives — or should I say — the wives who have weathered the storm of a Veteran suffering with PTSD. Additional comments from ‘second wives,’ ‘third wives…’ and so on, including compelling comments from soldiers — thanking me. The soldiers thanked me for sticking it out with my husband. They expressed that I must really understand what PTSD is like. Perhaps sometimes I do. Other times — I wish to throw in the towel while reminding myself that if I am diplomatic to Phil, and If I apply the silent treatment, perhaps the mood and rage will go away — at least, for a while! Surprising to me is the discovery that many of you have experienced the same issues I have while watching your special veteran suffering with the side effects of war.
I suppose I should smile or snicker to myself now while recognizing the VA does not understand. Several times they told my husband he must not suffer that bad because he is [and I am quoting their words…] ‘still with your first wife…’
I’ve written about those scenarios before, so if you are interested, research my name on Google “Barbie perkins-cooper + veterans-for-change…” and you should be able to pull up those stories. Now, I am taking it upon myself to continue writing about the issues related to Veterans; however, there will be a twist…these stories will be from the perspective of the many wives who have written to me. Rest assured, the names will be changed, along with events…but according to my reading public, my stories have opened their eyes to how a loved one learns to cope with PTSD.
Stay tuned for more stories. I have several deadlines approaching so if I appear a bit quiet, I am still around — working while pursuing my dream as a successful writer.
If you have a story to share about PTSD, please e-mail me at:
Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author 
hi!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I require an expert on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
I think you have remarked some very interesting details , thanks for the post.
I believe this internet site contains some very fantastic info for everyone : D.
Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information particularly the last phase 🙂 I deal with such information a lot. I used to be seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.