Michael C.

I hope this inspires other veterans who battle demons from their military services and the obstacles they endure in regular, everyday life. ..

I grew up as a orphan. There was not much to offer once I graduated high school except for joining the military. So I joined and quickly excelled in my new career. I never knew or experienced the feeling of being close to someone in my adolescent years but found brotherly love among my fellow soldiers. I served for 10 years, building friendships that continues to this very day. I was deployed on 3 different military campaigns, proud to be serving my country and being part of a special bond that soldiers share. After my last deployment, I soon learned that my ex wife had a ongoing affair while I was deployed. She decided that she felt better off being with her new found love and left our 3 kids and me for him. So I am now a single father with full sole custody of our children. This was a time of learning to adapt to having severe PTSD and now as a single father. Because of my job in the military, I was not around very much and my kids knew me as Dad but not much more. Together we learned about one another, building a whole new relationship. It wasn't easy and had many moments questioning if I had the strength and ability to do all this alone. During this time I was also a correction officer In a maximum correction facility. After some time I felt that I needed a positive change. The feeling was like a double negative and was not enjoying life at home, at work and still trying to come to terms with my ever present PTSD. So I decided to make career change to give more of a positive influence to my kids and myself. We had many low and tough times but together we stuck together and conquered each obstacle together. Our relationship grew and we became very close. After holding 2 to 3 jobs at a time so I could give my kids a childhood that I never had. I was very much active in their school and sport activities. I could see and sense the happiness and pride my kids had and felt. This was a major motivation factor for me. My kids are now grown and leading such a amazing and successful life's. I couldn't be more proud! My kids helped with me coming to terms with my PTSD with their patience and love. It's been 20 years now and still have and hold a very special and loving relationship with all 3 of my kids. I think back to the dark and low times I felt, and quickly realize how grateful I am to be around such amazing people. I am now finally remarried to the greatest, most caring and loving woman I have ever known. My kids absolutely adore my new wife and I never thought that such true happiness existed. I pray and hope that I can be a positive influence to others that feel like I did at one time.