Stories from Caregivers: Heather from MISSOURI
MO
Heather
FROM MISSOURI
After my husband's return from Iraq, I quickly became his full time caregiver due to his suicide attempts within 5 months of his return. I care for Greg well over 40 hours a week to assist with his PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Crohn's and a Traumatic Brain Injury. I am responsible for his medications (ordering, separating, administering), creating lists, waking and comforting him during nightmares, grounding him during hallucinations, etc... The most challenging aspect is having patience with adjusting to the changes with his memory. Some days the headaches are so bad, he is in bed all day but still I give praise to God for having grace on Greg's life and preserving us for a greater purpose. Greg loves to create all sorts of art. He has used screws for pixilization work, created abstract art with styrofoam, made children's artworks with their handprints, and even taught painting with a purpose classes with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. He also has art work in the Pentagon, a DOD building in Arlington, and has won art contests on base. My advice to others is to pray daily, trust God's word, and be patient. I realized if our roles were reversed he would do the same if not better care for me!
