Sept. 11, 2001 lives in infamy.
The coordinated terrorist attacks on America will be remembered for excruciating loss of life, economic hardship and social turmoil in its wake.
Even now, 12 years later, you probably recall images of the Twin Towers falling and smoke from the Pentagon.
Those memories touch us deeply and emotionally. More than 3,000 died. In response, American troops have spent more than a decade fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The reality is, Sept. 11 changed millions of families.
Through it all, veterans who volunteered for service were stretched to their limits.
Imagine how they felt as they finished their assignments and returned to civilian life. They face an all-too-common reality of being unable to fit in. Fighting was not the hard part. Coming home was.
How can you intentionally serve those in the military, especially troops coming home from the horrors of war and time away from this great country? It’s a day to remember our losses while strengthening our belief in America.
The 911memorial.org posted ideas for helping children remember 9/11. It recommends having the difficult conversations and answering tough questions.
Now, as much as ever, veterans need support and comfort. You can help by supporting veterans groups and by embracing military families.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends giving all family members time to adjust to the return of a deployed family member. It also encourages families to openly discuss expectations before the return.
Three recommendations:
- Couples may find the deployment has strained their relationship. Time and negotiation will help the couple work toward a new loving relationship.
- Family problems that existed before the deployment frequently reappear after the deployment.
- Extended family members such as grandparents, aunts and uncles may have provided support and service to the family during the deployment. They may have difficulty redefining their role with the family.
Most families will change. Children have been born or have grown. An adult at home may have become more independent. The returning family member had a life changing experience. The goal is to form a healthy, new life together.
30-Day Challenge
If you could do ONE THING and know that it would make a significant, lasting, possibly life-changing difference in your life, would you do it? Dr. Carlson shares the power of ONE THING and why you should get started doing your ONE THING today.
Tell Us
What are your memories of 9/11 and how do you reflect in remembrance? We’d love to hear your stories. Post your comments below.
